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.

Flood waters do enough damage on their own. But the problem gets even worse if pesticides are mixed in the rising tide. If you're a farmer, or sell farm supplies, you can take steps to prevent pesticide spills before and during a flood. Where do you store pesticides? Your storage building should be downslope from your well head and from any surface water, such as a pond or stream. Keep the building locked. Post signs to show pesticides are stored inside, and store your pesticides in sturdy containers, with labels that clearly identify the contents. Finally, the floor of your storage room should have a lip or curb--to contain spills, if they happen.

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.