MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The city of Myrtle Beach began offering free sand for sand bags on Monday. According to social media posts, the sand is available while supplies last. People should bring their own bags to fill with the free sand.
The sand is available at the vacant lot between the Myrtle Beach Train Depot and the City Service building at 921 N. Oak Street in Myrtle Beach.
Sand bags will also be available in Georgetown County, according to Georgetown County Public Information Officer Jackie Broach.
The sand bag distribution will be open to the public on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or until supplies run out. Sand bags may be picked up at the following locations:
- North Santee Park – 1484 Mt. Zion Ave., Georgetown
- Andrews Regional Recreation Center – 209 S. Maple, Andrews
- Dunbar Park – 1960 Dunbar Rd., Georgetown
- Pleasant Hill Park – 127 School House Dr., Hemingway
- Wachesaw Park – 3950 Old Kings Hwy., Murrells Inlets
According to Broach, sand bags will be limited to 10 per household and residents will need to fill the bags themselves with a supply of sand that will be available on site. Sand bags will be distributed on a first-come basis and proof of residency must be shown to receive sand bags.
When properly filled and placed, sandbags redirect storm and debris flows away from property improvements, Broach also said.
- Fill sandbags half full.
- Sand is suggested if readily available, but sand is not mandatory for this method of redirecting flows to be effective. Any type of soil may be used.
- For a more durable bag with increased effective life, mix 10 parts of sand or soil with 1 part of cement. The materials can be mixed and placed dry. After all bags are in place, a light sprinkling of water is recommended. This technique is only effective with burlap sandbags and will not work with plastic sandbags.
- When placing sandbags, fold the top of the sandbag down and rest bag on its folded top. It is important to place bags with the folded top toward the upstream or uphill direction to prevent bags from opening when water runs by them.
- Place each sandbag in layers, completing each layer prior to starting the next layer. Limit placement to two layers unless a building is used as a backing or sandbags are pyramided.
- Keep in mind that sandbags will not seal out water.
- Do not use straw or bales of hay in lieu of sandbags. They do not perform as well as sandbags and may be washed away.