Environmental Health Center

California Flood Recovery Scripts

This is an Environminute Disaster Advisory from the National Safety Council and the Governors Office of Emergency Services.

Once you return to a flood-affected home, make sure the gas and electric service is off. Then use your nose to check the house for any gas odor. Never smoke or use an open flame for light during this process. If you smell gas, clear out and notify the gas company fast. Tell them to check whether gas lines have been flooded. Most home gas systems operate at relatively low pressure, and flooding of any depth will back water into the gas lines. These lines must be purged and cleaned before they can be used again, and experts must handle these jobs. Also check for electrical hazards like damaged or wet wires and outlets, so that when the juice flows, you're not in for any more shocks.

This Environminute Disaster Advisory was brought to you by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation.

For information on floods and indoor air issues, visit our Flood Waters Fact Sheet.

For more information on the Flood Recovery Radio PSAs, e-mail hochc@nsc.org.