As a Walnut resident, you are an important part of the emergency planning and preparedness. The information provided below will help you to prepare, respond, and recover from emergency events that may face our City.
Home Protection
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has developed the following webpage with information about their "Ready! Set! Go!" program
Brush Clearance for Wildland Fire Safety
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Clear brush and weeds at least 35 feet from around your structures.
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Keep branches around your home free of dead or dying wood and moss.
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Use fire-resistant materials for building or retrofitting structures.
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Store combustible/flammable materials in approved containers and keep them a safe distance from your home.
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Be prepared to evacuate, See the evacuation section for detailed evacuation preparedness procedures.
Click here to view City of Walnut Fire Department information
If you live in Walnut, you live in earthquake country. Today is the time to seriously prepare for an earthquake event, and, more importantly, the days to follow such an event.
In the aftermath of a severe earthquake you may need to provide for yourself (food, water, medicine) for up to one week (and please don't forget about supplies for your pets). The safety and well-being of yourself and those you care about depends on such preparation.
It is your responsibility to know how to Prepare, Survive and Recover!
The Earthquake County Alliance website has information in tips to secure and supply your home, car and work place for the immediate and following effects of an earthquake.
ShakeOut California is an annual earthquake drill held every October. You register for free (no commitment, just a pledge to participate) and learn how your family and/or business can conduct your own personal earthquake drill. Click here to register or to find additional tips such as how to "Drop, Cover, Hold" during an earthquake.
You may be isolated, or in a situation with no water or electricity for up to one week.
It is recommended to have at least one gallon per person per day of water available. If you have pets, don't forget about their needs as well. Water should be stored in a cool, dry place without exposure to sunlight or excessive heat. It also recommended that water be changed out frequently.
The following "sample menu" is based on the use of foods that require no cooking. Be sure to always check expiration dates on your canned foods and rotate them out as needed.
Breakfast
- Fruit or canned juice (those that do not require refrigeration)Ready-to-eat cereals or granola bars
- Whole wheat or enriched bread or crackers with jams, jellies, peanut butter or other nut spread
- Milk: canned, evaporated or reconstituted powdered milk
Lunch or Supper
- Peanut or other nut butter sandwiches
- Canned meat, fish or poultry
- Canned beans-baked beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, etc.
- Raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, etc. (if fresh and clean)
- Fruits (canned or fresh)
- Bread or Graham crackers
- Cookies
Snacks
- Fruits (fresh canned, or dried)
- Juices (those that do not require refrigeration)
- Cereals (ready-to-eat)
- Nuts, seeds, raisins
- Crackers
- Cookies
- Raw vegetables (if fresh and clean)
- Granola bars
Staples
- Canned protein food: Salmon, tuna, sardines, lunch meat, ham, beef, chicken
- Canned vegetables: green beans, beets, corn, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, peas
- Canned fruits: apple sauce, apricots, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, fruit cocktail, etc.
- Dried Fruits, nuts and seeds: raisons, prunes, peanuts, assorted nuts, etc.
- Non-fat or low-fat milk; evaporated milk if used within on day after opening and kept at cool room temperature
- Oatmeal cookies or crackers
- Peanut or other nut butter
- Ready to eat cereals
- Jelly, jams, preserves, honey
- Bread wrapped in its original wrapping
- Salt pepper, sugar, catsup, prepared mustard
Basic Supplies and Survival Tips
Your family may be left on its own for several days following a major disaster. Here is a list of items and supplies which all households should keep stored in a portable container (a large trash can, duffle bag, backpack) in the event of evacuation or isolation.
Infants, Toddlers, Children and Latch-key Kids
Infants and toddlers require special attention immediately after disasters. Your preparedness kit should include enough baby formula, baby food, diapers, bottles, toys and games to keep small infants safe and comfortable after a disaster.
If children are at preschool, day care or school, it is important that parents or guardians know the emergency procedures of the school. Review and update information on your child's emergency card. Make sure you authorize someone nearby to pick up your children from school in case you are unable to travel to the school after a disaster.
Parents of latch-key kids should inform neighbors when their children are home alone so neighbors could take care of them in the event of a major disaster.
Basics
- Water- One gallon per person per day.
- Bleach and an eye-dropper.
- Non-perishable food: canned or dried foods high in protein such as peanut butter or dried fruits.
- Manual can opener.
- Barbecue, camp stove, Sterno cans or other alternative method of cooking.
- Fuel for cooking, propane canisters, camp stove fuel, charcoal, etc.
- Plastic utensils, knives, forks, spoons paper plates, cups, towels.
- Heavy duty aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
Food Storage Tips
- Check your emergency food supply twice a year and replace or rotate supplies annually.
- Choose food that requires little or no preparation for cooking.
- Choose low salt foods that do not increase thirst.
- Choose meals that are easy to prepare.
- Choose food that comes in small cans or packages to facilitate storage.
- Eat one full square meal a day.
Water Storage and Purification Tips
- Boil water for 5-10 minutes. Strain through paper towels to remove floating particles.
- Or add 10 drops of household bleach solution per gallon of water. Shake well and let stand for 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste indicates the water is safe to drink.
- Or add 15 drops of household tincture of iodine in the same manner as bleach above.
- Or use commercial water purification tablets such as Halazone or Globaline. Follow package instructions.
- Store water in heavy plastic containers, preferably opaque type or soft water bottles. If you buy bottled water, check with the supplier to determine how long the water may be stored safely.
- Store water in a cool, dark location on lower shelves, secured to prevent container damage.
- Plan meals with those with special needs in mind. (elderly, infants, vegetarians, etc.)
- Include meals with five basic food groups.
First Aid Kit
The following list of supplies is an ideal first aid kit; design for your own needs.
- First aid book: know how to use
- Sterile adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch gauze pads
- Ace bandage
- Ammonia inhalant
- Hypoallergenic waterproof adhesive tape
- Muslin or cotton triangular bandages
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Or instead of bandages use extra absorbent sanitary napkins
- Elastic bandages and fasteners
- Emergency Space blanket (1 per family member)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needles and thread
- Mirror
- Moistened towelettes
- Instant hot and cold packs
- Antiseptic lotion, cream or liquid
- Thermometer
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Anti-bacterial soap
- Sunscreen
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid
- Laxatives and activated charcoal in case of accidental poisoning
Survival
- Radio: portable, battery operated. spare battery
- Flashlight: fresh and spare batteries and bulbs
- Can opener
- Fire Extinguisher
- Watch or clock: battery or spring wound
Safety
- Heavy shoes: for every family member
- Heavy gloves: for each person clearing debris
- Candles: check for gas leaks before using
- Matches: dipped in wax and kept in weather proof container
- Knife: sharp or razor blades
Tools
- Axe, shovel
- Crescent wrench: for turning off gas
- Screw driver, pliers
- Hammer
- Coil of 2" rope
- Pencil, paper, scissors
Car Mini-Survival Kit
- Non-perishable food: store in empty coffee cans; phone money or calling card
- Bottled Water: one gallon per person per day
- First aid kit, blanket
- Flashlight, tools
- Whistle
- Walking shoes
Personal Records & Documents
- Automobile Registration
- Automobile title
- Bank books
- Birth certificates
- Citizenship papers
- Credit cards
- Driver's license
- Income tax records
- Insurance policies
- Marriage records
- Medical records
- Military records
- Passport
- Prepaid burial contracts
- Pet registrations
- Social Security cards
- Stocks and bonds
- Titles to deeds
- Warranties
- Wills
Pre-Planning for Evacuation
An order to evacuate could come at any moment. By planning ahead, individuals can evacuate quickly and safely without sacrificing important documents and family mementos. Copies of important and irreplaceable documents or family pictures should be made, and the originals placed in a bank safe deposit box away from home. The goal should be to spend as little time as possible collecting possession following an evacuation order.
Evacuation Checklist:
- Lock door and windows and turn off utilities as you would for a vacation.
- Shut off systems that draw outside air, such as fire places, furnaces and air conditioners.
- If you can provide transportation for a neighbor who has none, do so.
- Bring essential items, such as:
- Medical supplies (prescriptions, first aid)
- Money (cash, credit cards, important documents)
- Personal hygiene items (washing, shaving, dental, eye-care, sanitary)
- Clothing, bedding
- Baby needs (formula, diapers, favorite toys)
- Portable radio and batteries
- Miscellaneous useful items (matches, flashlights, plastic bags, manual can opener)
- Keep your radio tuned to a local station for emergency news updates.
Alert & Warning to Evacuate
Depending upon the nature and location of the disaster/emergency, there may be a sufficient amount of time for Law Enforcement to alert residents of the need to prepare to evacuate. Evacuation orders will be accomplished primarily with the use of loud speakers and door to door contacts. The goal will be to safety move the affected population AWAY from the disaster site to pre-established emergency shelters or relocate until the disaster is under control and it is safe to return.
As the emergency unfolds, the City Public Information Officer in conjunction with the American Red Cross will prepare and issue a statement to the local media and Emergency Broadcast System, providing precise information about the location of the disaster, evacuation routes and temporary shelters.
Children
An evacuation order could occur during school hours. If you have children at school in the affected areas, do not try to pick them up. These facilities will be following their own evacuation procedures. Contact your child's school for more information about its evacuation procedures.
Pets
Most pet owners understandably worry about leaving their pets behind in a rushed, evacuation situation. Local Animal Control officers will attempt to hold wayward pets until theirs owners can claim them, but residents have the ultimate responsibility for keeping their pets indoors or in the backyard, and prepared for an evacuation situation. Pet owners should always keep a leash and carrying box ready for use.
Teach responsible members of your family how to turn off gas, water and electricity at main switch and valves.
Gas
Shut off gas only if you suspect a gas leak or can smell escaping gas. The main shut-off valve is located next to your meter on the inlet pipe. Use a wrench and give it a quarter turn in either direction so that it runs crosswise on the pipe. The line is not closed.
Water
After the quake make a visual inspection for leaks in your plumbing system. If leaks are discovered, shut off the water at the house valve. If the house valve does not work, shut off the water at the meter (located in a concrete box in the sidewalk).
Electricity
Know the location of your main service switch handle - to cut off main power supply-and your branch circuit panel.
The City of Walnut encourages all residents to sign up for the Walnut Notification System. This system provides residents with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuation of buildings or neighborhoods. Residents will receive time-sensitive messages wherever they specify, such as their home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more.