BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Rain is set to pelt Kern County overnight and into Tuesday morning. Dark clouds are covering Bakersfield and parts of the city have already seen a few isolated droplets.

It's the first significant rain of the season and even though it's not going to be a huge storm, it's always smart to go over some basic safety tips.

Kern County is prone to flooding when it gets even just inches of rain. Local experts are advising homeowners and drivers on how to weather the storm.

"Look at your vehicle, inspect the tires, make sure you look at your windshield wipers, make sure that they are in good working condition," said Jorge Toro with the Highway Patrol.

For drivers, Toro said when roads are slick, the biggest safety measure is to watch your speed.

"Spinouts are a frequent occasion anytime we get rain," Toro said. "It doesn't matter if it's past the first big rainfall that we experience here in the Bakersfield area."

But being a mindful, aware driver is always important too.

Keep at least a car's length between you and another car when you're driving.

"I see, during inclement weather, many times people following way too close, which you do have to understand, it's going to take you a long time to stop," said Toro.

Flooding can happen with rainfall, especially in the desert areas of the county. There are ways to protect your home from water damage, such as building a sandbag fort around your property.

"So they just create a barrier, right? So if you stack them up like a wall, you fill them with sand obviously then lay them on top of each other. It prevents the water from intruding into the home or low-lying areas," said Capt. Derek Rodriguez with the Bakersfield Fire Department.

Rodriguez said you can also make sure your roof is clear of any debris.

"Look at their gutters, make sure their gutters are free and clear of any debris, leaves, excess dirt, and just prepare for that extra water," said Rodriguez.

Make sure to follow these tips to keep yourself safe, your home dry and your car on the road during this rainstorm.

Safety tips to weather the overnight rainstorm coming to Kern County