How Sandbags Work And Where To Get Them | Orlando, 2022
We use sandbags every year in preparation for hurricane season. But do you know how sandbags work? We will explain the science behind sandbags and tell you where you can pick up your own sandbags for this hurricane season. If you’ve ever let a handful of sand flow through your fingers at the beach, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that sand is made up of lots of tiny morsels of rock that have been broken down over hundreds, if not thousands, of years, thanks to the elements. If you’ve been to multiple beaches, then you might have noticed that the sand you’ve seen at each beach was different. It’s no surprise that the composition of sand varies in different geographic locations, but there are certain common minerals found in most sand, like quartz for example, known as a very hard and durable mineral.
The Mohs Scale Can Explain How Sandbags Work
Mineral hardness is measured by a scale known as the Mohs Scale. With 1 being the softest and 10 being a mineral of perfect hardness, Quarts rates a 7 on the Mohs scale. Like a diamond, quartz is chemically inert, which means that it keeps its original form and doesn’t react with most other substances. So, it changes very little over time and weathering.
Porosity Is Another Important Lesson In How Sand Bags Work
Porosity is another important quality of sand. This refers to an objects ability to let light, air or water move through it. The more porous something is, (the more tiny holes something has in it) the more water can pass through it. Sand is a coarse-textured material, and the coarser the texture of the material, the less porous it is. Not a bad quality if you’re talking about using it to help control flooding, in that aspect it’s a fantastic quality.
In a sandbag, it’s not the sand itself that holds back the water; there are several different reasons as to why they hold back water so well. Floodwaters are filled with fine particles like clay for example. These waters and fine particles then flood towards the sandbags. Really, the sand is “catching” these particles. The clay and dirt etc. from the floodwaters fill the gaps within the sand, which in turn makes the sand a better barrier. As more water hits the bags, the sand gets more and more muddy. This is a good system because it allows less and less water to work it’s way through the bag. In addition, the sandbag is getting heavier and heavier, so if it’s placed in the right area, you won’t have to worry about the floodwaters washing away your sandbags.
Where Can You Get Your Own Sandbags For Hurricane Season?
Orange County is holding a self-serve sandbag program between July 24, 2022 and August 7, 2022. You can pick up sandbags at one of five locations from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM every day.
The sandbag program is only open to Orange County residents. You must be prepared to show a valid ID in order to receive up to 10 sandbags per home. You must also bring your own shovel or tools needed to fill your sandbags. Sandbags are first come first serve.
Sandbags Will Be Available At These Following Locations:
Barnett Park – 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808
Downey Park – 10107 Flowers Ave., Orlando, FL 32825
Bithlo Community Park – 18501 Washington Ave., Orlando, FL 32820
Meadow Woods Recreation Center/Meadow Woods Park – 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
West Orange Recreational Complex – 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
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