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.

If storms have left you without running water, dealing with garbage and sewage can be a tricky chore. Until your toilets are working, use a portable one. If one is not available, bury waste on high ground, away from any well. Beware that sewage can backflow through floor drains into basements. Should this happen, disinfect with a solution of one-half cup of bleach to a gallon of water. And remember, never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach. That produces poisonous chlorine gas. After coming into contact with sewage or flood water, wash your hands well, especially before you eat or drink. Take the garbage out at least every four days and store it in a rigid container to keep animals and insects out.

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.