Storm Preparedness

Protecting your family and your property is your best bet against an unpredictable heavy rainy season. Here are some ways to better position yourself against storm-related challenges.

Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit as recommended by the American Red Cross.
Sign up for San Bernardino County's Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) alerts.
Consider purchasing flood insurance, many homeowner policies do not cover flood damage.
Create a list of items ahead of time to take with you if you are asked to evacuate. Consider items such as keys, cash and credit cards, photos, insurance papers, computers, prescriptions, phone chargers, and pet supplies.
Keep debris clear from rain gutters, downspouts, and drains so water can flow and drain properly.
If your home and yard are prone to erosion in heavy rains, consider implementing erosion control mechanisms such as sandbagging and wattles.
Have a supply of sandbags and other flood prevention materials such as plastic sheeting, plywood, and tarps on hand.
Check the roof for leaks, damage, or displaced tiles and pay special attention to areas where separation could occur, such as around the chimney.

Storm Ready Preparedness Flyer (PDF)
S. B. County Debris and Erosion Control (PDF)

Flood Terminology

Flood Watch - Flooding is possible in your area.
Flood Warning - Flooding in your area is imminent or already occurring.
Flash Flood - A sudden, violent flood. Flash Floods often come as a wave, and with little to no warning.

Sandbags
Properly placed sandbags will redirect water, mud, and debris but they will not completely seal out water. Sandbags should be used for low-flow protection (up to two feet). Protection from higher flows requires a more permanent type of structure.

Where Can I Get Sandbags?
During periods of heavy rain, the City of Chino Hills provides a limited supply of sand, and the Chino Valley Fire District provides sandbags for residents only at the following Fire Stations:

Fire Station 62, 5551 Butterfield Ranch Road, Chino Hills
Fire Station 64, 16231 Canon Lane, Chino Hills

Sandbags are available to Chino Hills residents only while supplies last. There is a limit of 25 sandbags per household. Bring your own shovel to fill the sandbags. For properties that require significant sandbagging, sandbags are available for purchase at local hardware stores. Some hardware stores provide free sandbags. Sandbags will be available for as long as supplies last. For more information, please call (909) 364-2800.

How Many Sandbags Do I Need?

For 100 Lineal feet of a sandbag wall:
One foot High: 600 - 800 bags, 10 - 13 cubic yards of sand
Two feet High: 1,400 - 2,000 bags, 23 - 33 cubic yards of sand
Three feet High: 2,200 - 3,400 bags, 37 - 57 cubic yards of sand

For More Resources on Flooding & Flood Preparation

Chino Valley Fire District
San Bernardino County El Nino Resources
National Weather Service Website
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Flood Insurance Program

Storm Preparedness