 I'm Lisa De La Garza with Cal OES. As the state prepares for the next round of winter weather, heavy rainfall can lead to flooding that can damage homes and businesses. But there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of floodwater damage. Sandbags can be used to create a barrier or divert water away from a building. Here are a couple steps to remember when gathering sandbags for your home or business. Wear protective gear, wear gloves to protect your hands, and wear safety glasses to prevent sand from getting in your eyes. When stacking sandbags, stagger the bags. This will create a stronger barrier and prevent the bags from tipping over. Monitor the water level and condition of the sandbags regularly. Sandbags should only be used to create a barrier and never used to plug drains. To find a list of sandbag locations near you, contact your city or county. And to learn more about sandbag use safety, visit our website news.caloes.ca.gov.