In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation in Texas, Floridians found themselves bracing for impact as another powerful storm approached.

The urgency to safeguard homes and lives was palpable, and in this moment of heightened anxiety, one man’s innovative solution quickly gained attention online.

Edward Obediah Sweat, a Florida resident, shared a practical and accessible tip on Facebook, which has since gone viral, resonating with over 170,000 people who have shared his post.

Edward’s tip is simple yet effective: using heavy-duty trash bags filled partially with water as an alternative to traditional sandbags.

By placing these water-filled bags at the base of doors, homeowners can prevent floodwaters from seeping through the cracks, offering a makeshift barrier that could make all the difference in a storm. Edward explained his method succinctly in his now-famous post:

“To my Florida friends and family… Some things I learned about hurricane damage management.

“Plastic bags 1/3 filled with water make good substitutes for sandbags at doorways.”

This straightforward advice struck a chord with many Floridians, who were eager for any strategy to protect their homes from the impending storm.

But Edward didn’t stop there; he went on to offer a comprehensive list of additional tips aimed at minimizing damage and ensuring personal safety during a hurricane.

His suggestions ranged from elevating furniture on paint cans or buckets to avoid water damage, to wearing proper clothing to bed to be prepared for sudden emergencies.

“Wear clothes to bed nothing looks worse than seeing people on the news in waterlogged nightgowns and boxer shorts. Plus it is helpful slogging through the water at night,” Edward advised, blending practicality with a touch of humor.

Safety was a recurring theme in Edward’s post. He emphasized the importance of shutting off power if water levels rise to avoid the tragic loss of life due to electrocution—a danger that claimed the life of a volunteer during Harvey’s aftermath.

“If you get water up to your electrical outlets or you evacuate, trip the main breaker… a volunteer was electrocuted and died here walking in knee-deep water due to power being on at a house he was going to check on.”

Edward’s post also included crucial advice about staying visible and signaling for help in case of severe flooding.

He recommended that everyone keep an ID, whistle, and flashlight on hand and suggested using a large white sheet to signal rescue teams from boats or helicopters.

The response to Edward’s post was overwhelmingly positive, with many locals expressing gratitude for the practical tips and reassurance during a stressful time.

“Ed, thanks for the tips. Hoping it turns and misses the US. We don’t need two catastrophes at one time,” one commenter wrote, reflecting the shared hope of avoiding another disaster.

Another commenter, echoing the concerns of many Floridians, said, “I’m beginning to be concerned. We live in Murray Hill in an area that doesn’t drain very well at all.

The plastic bag idea is a GOOD one. Thanks pal. Hoping and praying. Wish us luck.”

Edward’s post is a testament to the power of community and the importance of sharing knowledge during times of crisis.

His innovative use of everyday items to protect homes from flooding highlights the resourcefulness and resilience that are often born out of necessity.

As the threat of hurricanes remains a constant reality for many, tips like Edward’s provide a glimmer of hope and practical guidance for those in the path of the storm.

The viral spread of this advice underscores a critical lesson: in the face of nature’s fury, sometimes the simplest solutions can offer the most effective protection.

Edward Obediah Sweat’s post serves as a reminder that preparedness doesn’t always require expensive equipment—sometimes, it just takes a few heavy-duty trash bags and a willingness to think outside the box.