El Niño Storm Preparations

Nearly two decades have passed since the last El Niño storm caused widespread flooding that affected the region, including the City of Moreno Valley and surrounding communities. With the recent record breaking amount of rain received from tropical storm Dolores, some are speculating that our region's next El Niño may already have arrived. El Niño rain may bring much-needed drought relief to our state, but could also cause severe flooding and weather related damage to roadways, homes, structures and businesses. The City of Moreno Valley has already begun preparing personnel, equipment, and facilities for heavy storms, and urges citizens to also ready their homes and neighborhoods. Tips to prepare for heavy rainfall: • Clear debris from all roof drains, gutters, downspouts, yard drains, and private drainage channels; • Clean debris around your property's perimeter along fences and block walls; • Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, and other emergency building materials handy for waterproofing and to divert water flow away from your home; • Secure all loose lawn furniture or other loose items in your yard when a storm is approaching; • Trim trees, especially those with large over-hanging branches; • Check your homeowner's or renter's insurance for flood insurance coverage. If none exists and your home is in a flood plain, contact your insurance agent to discuss coverage options; • Keep your car fueled and ready to go; and • Know alternate routes to higher, safe ground from your home and workplace. As a service to Moreno Valley residents during the El Niño Storm Season, the city will distribute pre-filled sandbags, free of charge. The number of sandbags allotted to each household has been increased to 50. These will be available while supplies last from Oct. 1 - April 30, 2016. Both pre-filled and empty sandbags are available at the following city facilities: * Fire Station 2; 24935 Hemlock Avenue * Fire Station 6; 22250 Eucalyptus Avenue * Fire Station 48; 10511 Village Road * Fire Station 58; 28040 Eucalyptus Avenue * Fire Station 91; 16110 Lasselle Street * Fire Station 99; 13400 Morrison Street * City Yard; 15670 Perris Boulevard Empty sandbags (no pre-filled sandbags) are also available at Fire Station 65 (15111 Indian Avenue). Sandbags can be picked up at fire stations within the City of Moreno Valley at any time, preferably between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sandbags can be picked up at the City Yard Main Office, 15670 Perris Boulevard, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents obtaining filled sandbags are encouraged to bring a suitable vehicle to carry the number of desired sandbags and additional friends and/or family to assist with loading the sandbags. Loose sand is available 24-hours/day at the following locations: • Exterior Parking Lot of Fire Station 2; 24935 Hemlock Avenue • Exterior Parking Lot of Fire Station 48; 10511 Village Road • Exterior Parking Lot of Fire Station 58; 28040 Eucalyptus Avenue • 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 15670 Perris Boulevard Residents obtaining loose sand are required to bring their own shovels. Stay informed with the city's Emergency Alert and Warning Notification System, "Alert MoVal." Simply log on to moval.org/alert to register. This system will enable officials to provide essential information to registered citizens in the event of an emergency or weather related disaster. The City of Moreno Valley will be hosting community meetings to educate residents and businesses on how to prepare for the anticipated El Niño storms. City staff will also share details of the city's multi-phased approach to prepare and respond to the predicted El Niño storm events that may impact our city. A community meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 6 - 8 p.m at City Hall in the Council Chamber.