FloodSax Americas

FloodSax sandless sandbags featured in Bloomberg / BusinessWeek

floodsaxadmin — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 19:03:18 +0000

FloodSax was recently honored by coverage in Bloomberg/BusinessWeek as part of an article about companies selling at the IDCE show. Below is an edited version of the story, the full story is available here.

The Disaster Response Industry’s Salesmen of the Apocalypse

By Matthew Power on February 14, 2013

The IDCE’s three days of speeches and panel discussions left no category of threat unaddressed. Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, terror attacks, cyber warfare, chemical leaks, train derailments, wildfires, floods, and nuclear meltdowns were all considered. The 2,000 attendees—mostly American—had come to share wisdom born of painful experience, and, like all good conventioneers, to get their hands on some swag. Emergency managers from big-box stores and hospital chains roamed the aisles with uniformed National Guardsmen, Coast Guard officers, and staff from not-for-profits such as the Red Cross, everyone stopping to chat and pick up logo-emblazoned pens, baseball caps, and stress balls. No one was working this foot traffic harder than Adam Eckstein.

Thomas Prior for Bloomberg Businessweek Eckstein demonstrates the FloodSax, a “sandless sandbag” that expands from the size of a doormat to a 44-pound, 18-by-21-inch block by absorbing 5 gallons of water

Eckstein, a 47-year-old from Boca Raton, Fla., was born to sell. His last job was pitching satellite phones. Now his thing is sandless sandbags. In 2011, he became the exclusive U.S. dealer for FloodSax, based in the U.K. He also sells FloodSax in Panama, Colombia, and, soon, he hopes, Canada. (FloodSax note: Adam is the Sales Manager for FloodSax Americas, the exclusive master distributor for FloodSax products in the Americas.) And for the second year in a row, he ponied up several thousand dollars for some prime IDCE real estate near the main stage. While passersby contemplated the notion of a sandbag that contains no sand, Eckstein quickly launched into a product demonstration.

He pulled one of the flat FloodSax from a vacuum-sealed packet. Placing it in a large basin, he theatrically poured gallon jugs of water over it. Over three minutes, a small crowd gathered as the object expanded to many times its original size, absorbing five gallons of water. Eckstein picked it up to prove that no water dripped out. It now weighed over 40 pounds, stackable and moldable into an impervious barricade. “FloodSax,” Eckstein said, pausing for emphasis, “are a world-beating product.”

Mike Mocerino, a 24-year-old engineer, excitedly showed off his Darley Stinger The Stinger is a camera-equipped remote-controlled quadrocopter that can provide an aerial view of a disaster area or search-and-rescue operation. Eckstein appreciated Mocerino’s style, though he noted that some products had a better shot at commercial success than others. He’s an old hand at trade shows, and as we walked the expo floor he checked out his competition, which included everything from giant water-filled tubes to bucket-loader attachments that can fill 5,000 sandbags a day. He generally tried to be polite, but he sneered when we passed a booth where a sodden burlap bag sat split open in a bucket of water. “That’s a dollar-store knockoff,” he said. “There’s no other bag like ours out there.” FloodSax’s international patent helps, he says, but there’s always somebody trying to copy the technology, cutting open the expanded bag to find how the “special sauce” within actually works.

FloodSax were invented by a British inventor named Richard Bailey. They were originally known as BlastSax, when the British military had commissioned a more portable alternative to sandbags for their bomb-disposal technicians. The bags contain a superabsorbent plant-based polymer. FloodSax, he noted, can be easily stored and deployed at a moment’s notice. “Sandbags aren’t something people tend to think about until they really need them,” says Eckstein. And when an emergency looms, they can be nearly impossible to acquire. Eckstein’s New York distributor, Scott Rogener, said that the demand for regular sandbags, which his contracting company also sells, was so high as Hurricane Sandy approached, that the price spiked to $5 each. If they were available at all, that is.

FloodSax aren’t cheap, either: A case of 20 goes for $269.95, though Eckstein argues it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. For now, FloodSax are manufactured only in the U.K., although production will begin in the U.S. later this year. The privately held company declined to reveal its revenue.

Eckstein has a network of 15 regional distributors and sells to anyone he can: chain stores, homeowners, hospitals, local governments. He’s strict about price gouging; any distributor caught going above his MSRP is off the sales team. “One thing that repulses me,” he said, “is when someone’s trying to profit more off a situation.” All the same, Sandy had been a boon to his business. “After the fact, a lot of budgets open up a lot more for emergency preparedness,” he allowed. Rogener was more blunt. “Oct. 31 was the best commercial we ever had.”

On the final morning of the conference, the National Weather Service put out a tornado and coastal flood warning for southern Louisiana. Eckstein, back in his FloodSax booth, was unfazed. The previous year, when he was at the Texas Emergency Management Conference in San Antonio, tornadoes struck nearby. “CNN had pictures of 18-wheelers looking like Tonka trucks, just flying through the air,” said Eckstein. Conference attendees didn’t miss a beat, converting the show floor into an ad hoc emergency command center.

The rain had not stopped by mid-afternoon, and several companies began striking their booths. Heat-sealable body bags were folded up, and the air whooshed from collapsing triage tents. Eckstein shook his head at the early quitters. “At some shows, they come around with a golf cart and say, ‘You’re not gonna be here next year if you don’t start putting it back up.’ ” For his part, Eckstein was still holding out for a substantial order and winnowing his leads. “Some people want to get 100 business cards, and if they get 50 they aren’t happy,” he said. “But I would rather make 10 calls than 100, if they’re quality leads.”

One recent lead seemed particularly good, a card just handed to Eckstein by Shelley Napier, a regional emergency manager from Manitoba. Canada has been experiencing more frequent floods. “She came over to me, she wants to order 5 million bags,” said Eckstein, beaming. “I swear to God.” He had a far-off look. “This is gonna make my day, week, year, retirement!”

When we spoke a month later, Eckstein was happy to report that he did get a call from Napier and planned to fly to Manitoba in March. And he was close to a deal with a National pharmacy Chain that was in the works during the conference.

At the show, Eckstein was already confident that FloodSax had a big year ahead, and though no one would actually wish for it, there was a sense that the U.S. was overdue for a major hurricane, despite the destruction of Sandy.

“Since 2005 there’s been no Category 3 or higher,” Eckstein said. “Florida hasn’t been hit in seven years.”

“Shhhhhhhhh!” whispered Rogener, looking skyward.

FloodSax protects residents from Superstorm Sandy, says Yorkshire Post

floodsaxadmin — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 20:22:13 +0000

Thanks to the Yorkshire Post (England) for recognizing the value that FloodSax sandless sandbags have provided to Americans hit by Sandy.

See the original article:

Demand flooding in for Yorkshireman’s  sandless sandbags

WHEN Superstorm Sandy hit the US last year, dozens of people relied on sandless sandbags from Yorkshire to protect their homes from flooding.

The self-inflating FloodSax are set to secure more orders in the US after impressing two US  Olympic sailors who have a flair for business.

The FloodSax were created by Huddersfield-based entrepreneur Richard Bailey, the managing director of Environmental Defence Systems, who believes the product has the potential to secure large sales in the US.

In October, a wall of FloodSax saved properties from flooding when the Delaware River rose as Hurricane Sandy struck the New York area.

Residents feared the water would flood basements in their homes that are only around 100ft from the river in the Old New Castle area, close to the New Jersey border in Delaware.

So they turned to Jonathan Cochran who owns Cochran and Son plumbing and construction company for help. He saved eight homes by building walls of FloodSax to keep the water out.

FloodSax look like large pillowcases and weigh just seven ounces until they are activated by soaking them in water.

The gelling polymer inside them absorbs the water. In around three minutes they become even more effective than traditional sandbags.

The Florida-based brother and sister team of Paige and Zach Railey – who are both world-class sailors – have set up a company called High Water Flood Group in their home state to sell Floodsax.

Mr Bailey said yesterday: “It’s amazing how the FloodSax have now gone global.”

FloodSax Sandless Sandbags at National Weather Conference featured on KHOU Houston

floodsaxadmin — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:54:18 +0000

KHOU Houston today covered FloodSax as a key flood protection solution highlighted at the National Weather Conference in Florida.

From KHOU staff:

HOUSTON—Hurricane season is in less than three months away and at the National Hurricane Conference this week in Orlando is looking at new ways to protect you from a flood threat.

When a storm approaches, we’ve been told to “hide from the wind” and “run from the water.” -What if you could turn the tide on the rising flood? A special sand bag that promises to help doesn’t use sand, but water.

“It’s got a super absorbent polymer inside the bag, so it absorbs the water. Goes from a pound to 45 pounds in five minutes, holds back water for 90 days and it’s bio-degradable,” said Adam Shute, with Flood Sax.

For the complete article, visit KHOU.

Sandless sandbags save money, time and labor

floodsaxadmin — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:17:21 +0000

Sandless sandbags cleanup saves money, time and labor vs. traditional sandbag cleanup.

“Piles upon piles of broken up sand bags still line the shores at Larson’s Landing. It looks like a war zone over there, no question about it,” campground owner Doug Larson said in a keloland.com video.

Sandbag Cleanup Expensive and Difficult

When flood waters recede – that’s when the cleanup starts, and often when the volunteers disappear. Yet traditional sandbags need to be cleaned up for a wide variety of reasons including environmental, logistical and aesthetic. For individuals, this comes at a time when they are tied up with the work of recovery; for municipalities, the costs of cleanup can run into the millions of dollars, impacting already stretched budgets.

A 2011 news article from North Dakota’s kfyrtv.com highlights the problem:

“Burleigh County Commissioners made a number of decisions Monday evening, and by far the one that`s going to cost them the most is sand bag removal. The county only received one bid for the sandbag clean up, and it came in about $1.5 million under what the county engineer expects the project to cost. Marcus Hall reported, “That bid came from Knife River Corporation for $4,023,233.50.”

Sandless Sandbag Cleanup: Easier, More Affordable

Sandless Sandbag cleanup is easier, and more affordable thanks to biodegradable bags. One of the many things that sets apart FloodSax sandless sandbags is that they are biodegradable, making cleanup simpler and in many cases unnecessary. Other than clearing the bags for access to areas that homeowners or municipalities may have blocked off, in many cases, the bags can be left to bi0degrade, in whole or in part, on site. The savings in money, time and labor can make a huge difference for cash-strapped property owners.

To learn more, contact a FloodSax Dealer http://www.floodsax.us.com/dealers/

Introducing Flood Protection with Sandless Sandbag Alternatives by FloodSax

floodsaxadmin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:14:51 +0000

Revolutionary one-pound biodegradable sandless sandbag can be stored easily and deployed by virtually anyone to form an effective barrier to floodwaters

July 18, 2011 – Watertown, SD – FloodSax Americas, LLC today introduced the revolutionary FloodSax® self-activating sandless sandbag flood defense system for homeowners, business owners and governmental agencies in the United States. FloodSax uses a proprietary biodegradable polymer that absorbs water to form a sandless sandbag. Delivered as a flat one-pound sack, they absorb up to 45 pounds of fresh water in five minutes, forming a dense gel that blocks and redirects water, while forming to each other or adjacent structures for a tighter fit than traditional sandbags. Because they are stored dry, they are cleaner, lighter, more effective and easier to use in the places and times when sandbags are most needed.

Floods are the number one most common natural disaster in the United States, causing over 700 million dollars in damage in 2010 and most homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA encourages home and business owner to prepare for floods in part by safeguarding your possessions and property.

“FloodSax are lightweight, compact, clean, and superior-engineered alternative to the mess and limitations of sandbagging,” said Angelo Polsinelli, Vice-President and General Manager of FloodSax Americas. “Once activated, FloodSax can be placed to mitigate and redirect floodwater. FloodSax are 100% biodegradable, but keep water at bay for three months, and have a guaranteed shelf life of five years when sealed in original vacuum pack.”

Compared with traditional sandbags, Floodsax feature several advantages:

- Sandbag storage: FloodSax eliminate the need for storing and delivery of bags and loose sand. Floodsax can be stored cleanly in a garage or warehouse using only 20% of the space of traditional sandbags.

- Sandbag weight: FloodSax weigh only one pound when dry, allowing virtually anyone to store, handle and place the bags as needed.

- Sandbag placement: FloodSax expand and form to each other, doorways, walls or other objects forming a tighter seal than traditional sandbags.

Availability

FloodSax are immediately available for purchase at the following locations:

- Homeowners: http://www.floodsax.us.com/our-products/home-owner-bags.aspx

- Businesses and governmental agencies may purchase at: http://www.floodsax.us.com/our-products/heavy-duty.aspx

Available in Europe and Australia since 2007, Environmental Defence Systems Limited recently licensed to FloodSax Americas as the exclusive distributor for North and South America. FloodSax Americas is currently searching for distributors throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America.

About FloodSax Americas

FloodSax Americas, LLC is the exclusive distributor of the FloodSax Flood Defense System in North and South America and the Caribbean. FloodSax is the sandless sandbag that is revolutionizing the way homeowners, businesses and governmental agencies prevent and reduce damage from floodwaters. At only one pound, FloodSax avoid the storage, transport and placement problems of traditional sandbags, keep water at bay for 3 months, and are 100% biodegradable.

About Environmental Defence Systems Limited

Environmental Defence Systems Limited (EDS Ltd.), a leading developer and manufacturer of flood defense systems is based in the United Kingdom. Its award-winning products have protected homes, businesses and strategic assets throughout the world. EDS Ltd won the National Gold Winner 2007 for Products in the Green Apple Environment Awards for its Floodsax sandless sandbag, placing it among the best examples of environmental best practice and sustainable development as demonstrated by Local Authorities, Commercial & Industry and Communities – both in the UK and around the world.

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New Effington Gets Emergency Sandbag Deliveries during South Dakota Flooding

floodsaxadmin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:19:06 +0000

FloodSax™ sandless sandbags deployed in effort to keep New Effington Elementary School dry

July 18, 2011 – Watertown, SD – In an all-out effort to keep the last viable New Effington, South Dakota, traffic route open and protect the town’s only elementary school, town officials deployed a new tool in their battle with the flood waters – biodegradable sandless sandbags.

City officials of New Effington including Mayor Darlene Miller, City Council Member Scott Bostrom, and New Effington Fire Chief Doug Gutzmer were on hand to receive a new kind of alternative sandbag: self-activating sandless sandbag flood defense system. Representatives of FloodSax® delivered 280 sandless sandbags in 14 cases and worked with residents of New Effington to properly deploy the dry sandbags along County Road 8 to absorb and block the waters from the Red River watershed from washing out the roadway.

“We’ve got lots of water, and there’s no where for it to go.” said Mayor Miller, “We’ve got all this rain, and when it broke open, it broke open.”

FloodSax® uses a proprietary biodegradable polymer that absorbs water to form a sandless sandbag. Delivered as a flat one-pound sack, they absorb up to 45 pounds of fresh water in five minutes, forming a dense gel that blocks and redirects water, while forming to each other or adjacent structures for a tighter fit than traditional sandbags. Because they are stored dry, they are cleaner, lighter, more effective and easier to use in the places and times when sandbags are most needed.

The situation in New Effington has been changing fast, with more rain expected over the next several days. Unlike traditional sandbags, 280 of the FloodSax alternative sandbags were able to be deployed to New Effington in a standard sedan, making protection against rising floodwaters faster and easier than traditional burlap or polypropylene bags.

“The situation in New Effington really highlights the advantages of FloodSax as a sandbag alternative,” said Adam Eckstein, Sales Manager of FloodSax Americas. “The 1 pound dry weight and flat size of FloodSax, meant New Effington emergency responders were able to get the protection in place to redirect rising water faster and more easily than would have been possible with traditional sandbags.”