Sandbags provide first-line defense against upcoming flooding. Here's where to find them. – CBS News

Sandbags provide first-line defense against upcoming flooding. Here’s where to find them.  CBS News

A record-setting El Niño is tilting the odds to a wetter-than-average winter. That means a high risk of flooding, which is why California and local agencies are distributing millions of sandbags ahead of the heavy potential rains and scheduled high tides."During the flood seasons, having sandbags is something that is super crucial," said Cal Fire firefighter Michael Almeida.Find sandbags in the Bay AreaWhile sandbags won't work in storm surges, fast-moving water, or heavy wave action, they are effective in situations where they can divert and slow down shallow, slow-moving water less than two feet deep. Sandbags can guide water away from doors, garage entries, and low-lying vents but they don't create a completely watertight seal.

By diverting water, sandbags can prevent or reduce damage to property.CBS News Bay Area checked with firefighters stationed at Station 26 in St. Helena – James Bolding, Liam Lonergan, Michael Almeida, Lucas Avina, and Garret Short – for tips on making and using sandbags."Sandbags are highly recommended," Lonergan said. "It's a great tool. It works and we want you guys to keep your own property safe." Tip number one: don't overfill the bag. "You want to go and make sure you fill the bags halfway to two-thirds full," Almeida said. "You don't want to fill them up all the way."Partially filling them allows the bags