October 6, 2024 9:23 AM

Tropical Storm Milton and Sandbags

Tropical Storm Milton currently is located in the southwest Gulf of Mexico with a forecast to become a hurricane. Self-serve sandbags will be available to Maitland residents from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Maitland Community Park.

Tropical Storm Milton currently is located in the southwest Gulf of Mexico with a forecast to become a hurricane heading toward Florida during the coming week. The City of Maitland is closely monitoring the storm’s progress.

Self-serve sandbags will be available to Maitland residents from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Maitland Community Park, 1400 Mayo Ave. Limit 10 bags per household.

The entrance to the park can be accessed from Mayo Avenue at Orlando Avenue, just south of the Maitland Boulevard overpass. Residents must show a utility bill, driver’s license or other proof of residency.

Proper Use of Sandbags:

Sandbags can be used to prevent stormwater intrusion into a structure. They should be placed at exterior doorways, garage doors or sliding glass doors that might be susceptible to flooding.

Properly stacked sandbags work well to hold back water. However, plastic sheets or tarps placed under and around sandbags form a much better water barrier. Place the plastic against the door and on the ground in front of the door. Extend the plastic beyond the edges of the doorway. You can use duct tape to help keep it attached to the door and wall.

Place each bag over the folded top of the preceding bag and stomp into place the next layer of bags. Flattening down the sandbag row before adding the next row will help you to build a better structure. Stagger the second layer of bags, stomping each bag into place before placing the next.