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Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Public Service Announcement Transcripts
Note - information in these messages is not specific to the Katrina and Rita hurricane response. These messages can be used during any response situation to provide related public health and environmental information.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, recorded public service announcements (PSA) to provide information to people in the hurricane affected areas. Topics featured in these PSA's include:
- asbestos and lead
- carbon monoxide
- children and flood water
- cleaning up sediment
- flood water
- flooding and lead-based paint
- gas leaks
- hazardous materials
- household cleaners
- mold
- protective gear
- private wells and flood water
- septic systems
These PSA files are for use by the media and general public. Transcripciones de anuncios de servicio público
To listen to a PSA, just click the file name. To download a PSA to your computer, right-click on the PSA name and select Save... or Save Target As....
"Children and Flood Water" (:30 secs, 472kb, MP3) en Español
Children are at greater risk than adults from contaminants carried by flood water. Since they dehydrate faster, they need to drink plenty of fluids.
If the safety of your water is in question, either use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute...and let it cool before use.
You should also keep children away from mud and make sure they don’t play with anything that may have become polluted by flood water or sludge.
If you have questions about your tap water, you should give your child sponge baths using bottled or boiled water.
From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"What about the Septic System?" (:30 secs, 472kb, MP3) en Español
Septic systems can be damaged by flooding. After a flood, have the system professionally inspected and serviced. If the system is obstructed, pump it as soon as possible. If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean and disinfect the area with half a cup of chlorine bleach in each gallon of water.
Remember: whenever the water table is high or your septic system is threatened by flooding, sewage can back up into your home. The only way to prevent it is to use the system less and make sure the tank is watertight.
From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Flooding and Lead-Based Paint" (:30 secs, 472kb, MP3) en Español
Homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint, which may flake after being soaked by flood water.
Lead is a toxic metal that causes many negative health effects, especially in children. Disturbing materials containing lead-based paint may release lead dust into the air.
If you suspect that debris in your home is contaminated with such paint, seek help from public health authorities or specially trained contractors. Individuals should not handle such materials themselves.
From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Protective Gear" (:30 secs, 468kb, MP3) en Español
The use of protective clothing and equipment is essential when cleaning up after a flood. Contaminated water and sludge may contain harmful organisms, chemicals and heavy metals.
Gloves are essential. So are goggles that don’t contain air holes. Dust kicked up from sweeping and other activities can release contaminants into the air.
It’s advisable to protect yourself from dust by using an N–95 respirator, which costs around six dollars at many hardware stores.
This message is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Dealing with Mold" (:30 secs, 472kb, MP3) en Español
Mold is a serious problem in flooded areas.
The key to controlling mold growth is by controlling moisture — and doing it quickly. If you have a mold problem at home, wash it off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
Be sure to get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. You may have to replace absorbent materials — such as ceiling tiles and carpet — that become moldy.
For more information about mold cleanup, call 1-800- 438-4318.
From U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Cleaning Up Sediment" (:30 secs, 471kb, MP3) en Español
The sediment left behind by receding flood water often contains a wide variety of pollutants. They can include fuel oils, gasoline, human and animal waste, metals, and other material.
Health officials caution against contact with sediment, if possible. If you do come in contact with it, wash any exposed skin with soap and water...and change into clean clothing.
If you must remove sediment from your property, be sure to wear gloves, goggles and a dust respirator or face mask.
This message is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Asbestos and Lead" (:60 secs, 939kb, MP3)
Older buildings may contain asbestos and lead. Pipe or other insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, roof shingles and sprayed-on sound-proofing may contain asbestos. Lead is a toxic metal that causes many negative health effects, especially in young children. Disturbing materials containing lead-based paint may release lead dust into the air. If your home contains asbestos or lead-based paint and any of these materials have been damaged or will be disturbed during cleanup, talk to public health authorities. Removed materials should be handled while still wet or damp, double bagged and labeled. You should wear gloves, goggles, and a face mask. Avoid activities that will generate dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos or lead. Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint. Temporarily move your family out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area properly cleaned. This message is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Carbon Monoxide" (:30 secs, 471kb, MP3) en Español
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. It can kill you. Don’t use anything indoors that burns fuel, such as gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal grills. Opening doors and windows or using fans won’t prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide. Have your vents and chimneys checked to make sure water heater and gas furnace exhausts aren’t blocked. If you feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. The message is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Household Cleaners" (:60 secs, 941kb, MP3)
If you’re cleaning up after the flood, you’ll need to use cleaners, disinfectants, and pesticides. But you need to be careful. Mixing certain types of household cleaners and disinfectants — such as bleach and ammonia — can produce toxic fumes and cause injury or even death. Do not mix them or use them in combination. Read and follow all label instructions carefully.
Provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. Don’t stay in a room longer than necessary, and allow plenty of time for the area to air out. If there’s no standing water in the building and it’s safe to use electricity, use fans both during and after disinfecting, cleaning, and sanitizing products. Be sure that electrical appliances are properly grounded. Keep all household products locked, out of sight and away from children. Securely close child-resistant packaging after each use. Keep items in original containers. Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning. This message is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Household Cleaners" (:30 secs, 473kb, MP3) en Español
Flood cleanup involves cleaners, disinfectants, and pesticides...used carefully. Mixing household cleaners and disinfectants — such as bleach and ammonia — can produce dangerous toxic fumes.
Open windows and doors. Don’t stay in a room longer than necessary, and allow plenty of time to air out the room.
If it’s safe to use electricity, use fans to keep the air circulating. Keep all household products out of sight and away from children.
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.
From U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Gas Leaks" (:30 secs, 472kb, MP3) en Español
Many fuel lines were broken during the hurricane, and highly explosive vapors may still be present in many buildings. Plus, explosive gases, such as methane, may accumulate from decaying materials. Open all windows when you enter a building. If you smell gas or hear gas escaping, don't smoke, light matches, operate electrical switches, or use telephones — including cell phones. Leave immediately; leave doors and windows open. Notify emergency authorities, and don't return until they tell you it’s safe. This message is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Hazardous Waste" (:58 secs, 909kb, MP3)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other officials urge you to use caution when returning to hurricane-damaged homes and buildings.
Be on the alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, such as caustic drain cleaners and chlorine bleach.
Take these precautions to prevent injury or further damage:
- Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals.
- Don’t combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers as this may produce dangerous or violent reactions.
- Don’t dump chemicals down storm sewers, drains or toilets.
- Don’t burn household chemicals.
- Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed of.
- Be careful when disturbing building materials to prevent injury or other health effects.
Debris-management programs, including household hazardous waste collection are being set up. These efforts may take days or weeks to reach all communities.
This message brought to you by the Environmental Protection Agency.
"Hazardous Waste" (:30 secs, 473kb, MP3) en Español
Returning to hurricane-damaged homes and buildings? Be alert for leaking containers and household chemicals, such as caustic drain cleaners and chlorine bleach.
Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals. Don’t combine chemicals to avoid dangerous or violent reactions. Don’t dump chemicals down storm sewers, drains or toilets. Don’t burn household chemicals. Mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed of.
Hazardous waste collection sites are being set up. Look for signs where to go. From U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Flood Water" (:60 secs, 941kb, MP3)
Contaminated flood water can cause serious threats to your health.
Here’s what you should do to minimize your risk...
Remove standing water quickly. Discard wet materials that can’t be thoroughly cleaned and dried, including anything made of paper, cloth, wood and other absorbent materials.
Dry out the building. Contaminants in flood waters can penetrate deep into porous materials and later get into the air or water. Completely drying out a building will take time, and you may have to remove ceilings, wallboard, insulation, flooring and other materials if they were soaked.
Microorganisms will continue growing as long as things are wet and humidity is high. When fumes aren’t a problem and if electricity is available and safe, you can remove moisture by closing windows and running a dehumidifier or window air conditioner.
Limit your contact with flood water. Don’t even breathe mists from contaminated water. When cleaning, wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator or a dust mask.
This message is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
"Flood Water" (:30 secs, 473kb, MP3) en Español
Dealing with polluted flood water creates important challenges. Here’s what to do.
Remove standing water quickly. Discard wet, absorbent materials that can’t be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Dry out the building.
When fumes aren’t a problem and if electricity is available and safe, remove moisture by closing windows and running a dehumidifier or window air conditioner.
Limit your contact with flood water. Don’t even breathe mists from flood water. When cleaning, wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator or a dust mask.
From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Private Wells and Flood Water" (:30 secs, 472kb, MP3) en Español
Flood water can contaminate private wells. No public agency monitors the water quality inside these wells. That’s the responsibility of the owner. Don’t use water from a flooded well for any purpose until you’ve talked with proper health authorities. Don’t turn on the pump and don’t flush the well. You should have the well disinfected by a well contractor. Afterward, have the water sampled and tested to make sure it’s safe. Just because it looks and smells safe, doesn’t mean it actually is. This message is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.