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.

The storm has passed. The waters have receded. Now what? First, make sure everyone is okay. Check on your neighbors. Report any downed power lines or broken gas lines right away. There is a simple, basic rule: all foods that have touched flood water should be thrown away, with only one exception. Food in sealed, air tight, metal cans is entirely safe for use, as long as you carefully clean and disinfect the cans before opening. Beware of contaminated water. Boil or purify water before you drink it. Disinfect everything touched by flood waters. Do not turn gas back on--wait for a utility crew. Do not turn electricity back on if the system was flooded, or if you smell gas. Do not handle electric equipment in wet areas. Use a flashlight to check buildings that may contain natural gas or propane -- Do not use matches or candles.

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.