Types of Flood Control Tubes: Advantages For Storm Season
One of the most versatile and effective tools available today for storm preparation and flood prevention are flood control tubes.
As storm season approaches, homeowners, business owners, and municipalities alike face an increasingly urgent question: are we truly prepared for the next major flood event? With climate patterns becoming more unpredictable and extreme weather events on the rise, flood protection is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
These water-filled or inflatable barriers offer a simple yet powerful defense against incoming water. In this post, we’ll explore the dangers posed by seasonal flooding, the importance of proactive protection, and how modern flood tubes—like Garrison Flood Control’s Guppy and Serpent models—are making it easier than ever to prepare.
The Growing Danger of Flooding
Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage (FEMA) to a home. For businesses, the financial toll can be even more devastating—damaged inventory, lost productivity, and extended closures often lead to long-term financial strain or permanent shutdown.
Storm season amplifies these risks. Heavy rains, tropical storms, snowmelt, and overloaded drainage systems can all contribute to flash floods or prolonged water buildup. And with the increasing frequency of “once-in-a-century” storms, many communities find themselves vulnerable, even if they’ve never experienced serious flooding before.
Why Flood Preparedness Matters
Too often, flood protection is an afterthought—something considered only after a basement fills with water or a property suffers serious damage. But by the time the skies darken and the first warnings are issued, it's usually too late to install meaningful safeguards.
Being prepared before storm season is key. Effective flood protection is about mitigating risk, minimizing damage, and buying time during fast-developing weather events. And for many property owners, that starts with choosing flexible, deployable barriers that can be stored, moved, and set up quickly when the need arises.
What Are Flood Tubes?
Flood tubes are a type of portable flood barrier designed to redirect or block incoming water. They come in two primary types:
Water-filled flood tubes, which are rolled out and then filled with water from a hose.
Inflatable flood tubes, which are air-filled using a blower or inflator.
These tubes form a temporary flood wall or berm that acts as a barrier between rising water and the area you're trying to protect—whether that’s a building entrance, perimeter, a garage, a storefront, or a public access road. Their portability and ease of setup make them especially useful for emergency preparedness and rapid deployment.
Key Advantages of Flood Tubes
Flexible and Scalable
Flood tubes can be rolled out in sections, allowing them to conform to the shape of your property, driveway, or loading dock. This flexibility allows for both small-scale and large-scale protection.
Safe Storage
When not in use, flood tubes can be deflated, drained, and stored compactly—ideal for seasonal storm preparation. You don’t need a dedicated warehouse or storage room to keep them on-hand.
Quick Deployment
Flood tubes can be set up quickly—often in under an hour. Unlike sandbags, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming to stack, flood tubes require minimal manpower. When time is of the essence, speed matters.
Reusable and Sustainable
Unlike traditional barriers that are often discarded after use, many flood tubes are reusable. This makes them both environmentally friendly and cost-effective over time.
Garrison's Guppy™ Water Filled Flood Tubes
Guppy™ Water Filled Flood Control Tubes are an excellent example of an economical, reliable and quick-to-deploy flood barrier that is designed for real-world performance. Built with durable, puncture-resistant, high quality composite PVC mesh, each flood control tube is UV treated, waterproof, chemical and oil resistant, and has incredible tear and tension strength.
Tube Fills With Water
Guppy™ fills with water using a standard garden hose.
6“, 12” & 24” Heights
Choose the protection height that best meets your flood needs.
4 Available Lengths
Guppy™ flood diversion dams are available in 10’, 25’, 50’ and 100’ lengths.
Durable Flood Protection
Each Guppy tube has incredible tear and tension strength.
Stores Compactly & Reusable
Guppy flood tubes are reusable and roll compactly for simple storage.
Garrison's Serpent™ Inflatable Flood Tube Barriers
Serpent™ Inflatable Flood Control Tubes offer full scale flood protection that is meant to provide a “bigger” solution for already big flood threats. Serpent™ flood barriers are completely air filled with a focus on speed and convenience. Each Serpent flood tube can protect up to 3ft in height against severe flooding and stores compactly for easy transport and future deployment.
Quick & Simple Deployment
Serpent™ quickly inflates using an air pump, ensuring timely protection during sudden flood events.
Size & Protection Heights
Serpent™ is available in 15ft and 30ft sections, and can protect against water levels up to 40” in height.
Tube Connector Sheet
Serpent™ flood tube sections connect, allowing for customizable deployment lengths.
Reusable & Durable Materials
Fabricated with robust composite PVC mesh fabric, Serpent™ barrier resists tears and cuts, ensuring longevity.
Ease of Setup & Storage
After usage, Serpent™ can be deflated, rolled up, and stored compactly for future use.
Ideal Use Cases for Flood Tubes
Flood tubes can be used in a wide range of situations, including:
Homeowners protecting garages, basements, or doorways
Retailers shielding storefronts during flash flood warnings
Municipalities diverting water from roads, parks, or emergency access points
Construction sites maintaining dry work zones during wet seasons
Their design allows you to scale your protection as needed—from a single entryway to an entire building perimeter.
Garrison: A Smarter Approach to Flood Control
In today’s climate reality, reacting to floods isn’t enough—we need to prepare for them. Flood tubes are not only an effective first line of defense, but they also represent a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to take control of your flood risk before the storm arrives.
Garrison Flood Control has a wide variety of flood protection solutions that can fit your exact preparedness needs. From homeowners to municipalities, our team understands what it takes to have the necessary protection in place for when flood threats arrive.
Whether you're looking to protect a home, a business, or public infrastructure, portable flood barriers like the Guppy and Serpent can help you stay one step ahead when water levels rise.
For additional information about Garrison Flood Control Systems, please call 929-299-2099 or Contact Us.
