Arturo Cordova, an employee of the City of Santa Maria Public Works Department, demonstrated how residents should fill and stack sandbags and said the city provides sand (but not sandbags) at four local sites.

At the Mayoral or department presentation, Cordova described how to fill a bag so it performs as a temporary barrier. He advised filling each bag about one-third to halfway full and securing it with the attached tie string before placement. "We do provide the sand," he said, urging residents to bring their own bags.

Cordova also demonstrated how to stack the filled bags for best effect, advising stacks "three high and three to four wide, depending on the situation you are dealing with." He said the stacks help form a temporary barrier during localized flooding or to protect low-lying entry points.

Cordova listed four locations where residents can obtain sand from the city: Carmen Lane, San Ysidro, Sway Crossing and Western Avenue. He closed by reminding the public of the practical urgency of preparedness: "You don't know when you might need a sandbag till you need it."

The city-provided sand is intended for residents to fill their own sandbags; the city does not distribute pre-filled bags or provide bags to the public, Cordova said. Residents seeking sand should contact the Public Works Department for site hours and any additional instructions; Cordova encouraged people to "come out and fill your sandbags" while conditions remain dry.