SANDY, Utah — Residents across Sandy were seen collecting sandbags on Saturday, preparing for potential flooding expected this weekend. The preventative measure comes as the community braces for incoming weather.

Among those working to protect their homes were Lyla and Sadie Stevensen. They were observed struggling to lift the heavy sandbags but noted to Fox 13 News that the effort was worthwhile. “We're gonna put them next to our horses. We have horses, so we're gonna make sure they're safe," they explained, highlighting their focus on safeguarding their animals from potential water.

For other residents in the crowd, this weekend’s preparations were not a new experience. Dana and Scott Miles were focused on prevention after their Sandy home was significantly impacted by major flooding back in August. Scott Miles noted that their basement was only “three quarters done being refinished from last time,” expressing a strong desire to avoid having to “peel it all off and start over again."

Dana Miles described the August incident as "a nightmare." She told Fox 13 News, "Everything drained into our house, into our yard. So we had three feet of water in our basement. Everything was floating." The extent of the damage was substantial, with Scott Miles pointing out that the water depth had risen to "somewhere just below the the doorbell here."

The interior of their home also suffered severe damage. Scott and Dana Miles explained that the insulation "all had to come out" because it was soaked, creating a risk for mildew or mold if not removed and dried quickly. Water had poured in, reaching levels right above the electrical outlets and just underneath the door handles, transforming their basement into what Scott jokingly referred to as a "lap pool."

On Saturday, the Miles family loaded their truck with as many sandbags as possible. Their aim is to keep their basement dry this weekend, preventing a repeat of the August flood. Scott Miles also shared their upgraded defense strategy for the basement: "The pump is here, so that if water starts filling up here again, this pump will start pushing it out towards the street."

Whether protecting an already recovering basement or ensuring the safety of cherished animals, families across Sandy are hoping their sandbags will successfully hold back any potential floodwaters this weekend.