News Release

Empty sandbags and loose sand will be available at many locations throughout Moreno Valley in anticipation of two Pacific storms predicted to bring rain to Riverside County through Monday.

Rain could start falling tonight and continue through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Showers are possible throughout the weekend with a second storm expected to bring heavier rain to the region Monday, according to the NWS.

The City of Moreno Valley is offering free sandbags and loose sand to help residents prevent damage from possible flooding due to the storms.

Empty sandbags and loose sand will be available at these locations:

• City Yard Main Office, 25180 Santiago Drive in Moreno Valley, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Sunnymead Ranch Fire Station No. 48 located at the southwest corner of Sunnymead Ranch Parkway and Village Road in Moreno Valley
• Sunnymead Ranch Fire Station No. 2 located at Hemlock Avenue west of Perris Boulevard.

Empty sandbags only are available at any Moreno Valley fire station between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Loose sand only is available at these locations:

• Alessandro Boulevard and Redlands Boulevard at the Post Office property
• Conference and Recreation Center overflow parking lot located at Veterans Way and Alessandro Boulevard
• City Yard Visitor Parking lot located immediately south of the City Yard main building at 25180 Santiago Drive in Moreno Valley

Sandbags are typically limited to 25 sandbags per person unless there are special circumstances that require more than this amount. Filled sandbags are available at the City Yard, 25180 Santiago Drive in Moreno Valley, for elderly and disabled residents. Residents not picking up filled sandbags are encouraged to bring their own shovels.

Tips to help prevent rainstorm-related problems:

• Place sandbags around doorways. Pile sandbags up to two or three bags high outside the home to create a water barrier.
• Residents who live in or adjacent to hill areas should cover up any bare soil areas with plastic covering, since extreme water saturation can affect the stability of the soil.
• Use a sump pump if you have one. This type of pump removes water from an area that won’t properly drain, pumps the water into a pipe and releases the water onto the street away from low areas.
• Make sure rain gutters are cleaned out and your drains are free of debris.
• Prepare the outside of your home by bringing in things that can be ruined by excessive water.
• If you see a storm drain catch basin in the street that is plugged and not draining, alert the city’s Public Works Department immediately by calling 951-413-3160.
• Do not attempt to cross any road which has a significant amount of standing or flowing water.

For more information, please call the Moreno Valley City Yard at 951.413.3160 or the Moreno Valley Fire Services at 951.486.6780.