Translate | Traducir

Free Sand & Sandbags for Residents

Do you have an area near your home or business where water puddles during heavy rains, such as a doorway? If you aren’t able to address the cause of the water intrusion, consider using sandbags to help reduce water getting in.

Free for Residents

Pick Up Free Sandbags

Residents can pick up 25 free sandbags at the City Corporate Yard. Free sand is available at the same location 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Sandbag Filling & Usage

How to Fill & Place Sandbags

City of Moreno Valley households or businesses may fill up to 25 sandbags for personal use.

Only Fill Bags About Half Full

Overfilled sandbags don’t stack or seal well. If ties are used (not provided), tie the bag near the top, not the middle.

Fold the Flap Under

When stacking sandbags, fold the empty portion of the sack (the flap) under. Make sure the folded end faces upstream from the water flow.

Stack in a Pyramid

Freestanding sandbags should be stacked in a pyramid. Stagger them like bricks so they are not directly on top of each other.

Protect Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are vulnerable to damage and leakage. Lay down plastic sheeting 2–3 mm thick first, before stacking sandbags against the building.

Sandbag Placement Tips

  • Remove any debris from the area before laying down sandbags.
  • Place the half-filled bags parallel to the direction of flow, with the folded end upstream.
  • Stamp down each bag after placing it to fill any empty spaces and form a tight seal.
Know Before You Stack

Limitations

  1. Sandbags will not seal out water.
  2. Sand and soil-filled sandbags deteriorate when exposed for several months to continued moisture and drying. If bags are placed too early, they may not be effective when needed.
  3. Sandbags are best used for low-flow protection (up to 2 feet). Protection from higher flows requires a more permanent type of structure.

Use at Your Own Risk!

Sandbags are intended as an emergency protective measure, and are not intended as a long-term solution to water intrusion. Additional information can be found from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (opens in new tab).

Get in Touch

Office of Emergency Management

For more information, contact us at oem@moval.org or 951-413-3800.