Guam Homeland Security - Office of Civil Defense

X Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems. Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods

Wildfire

Regularly clean the roof and gutters.
Maintain an area approximately 30’ away from you home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers and other brush.
Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.

Fire Weather

Turn on your TV/radio. You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the route to take and have plan of where you will go. Check-in with your friends and family.
Keep your car fueled, in good condition, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

Drought

Conserve water

Take shorter showers.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Run the washer less frequently and only when you have a full load.
Water your lawn less frequently and do so when the temperature is cooler in the early morning or late evening.
When you run the tap to heat or cool water, keep a pitcher to store the water and use it to water plants.
Avoid washing your car.

Practice fire prevention

Don't set off fireworks when conditions are dry.
Deposit cigarette butts in the proper receptacle to avoid starting a
Pour water over camp fires and backyard fire pits to ensure they are completely out before leaving them unattended.

Follow directions from local officials. If there are restrictions on water usage, be sure to heed them.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires and https://www.ready.gov/drought

X
Typhoons/Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from typhoons/hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and rip currents.

“Hurricanes” form in the Atlantic Northeast Pacific region and “Typhoons” form in the Northwest Pacific Region. These large storms are call cyclones in other parts of the world.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

GHS/OCD Hold Contests for National Preparedness Month

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GHS/OCD Promotes September as National Preparedness Month

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) invite the island to celebrate September as National Preparedness Month (NPM). Governor Lou Leon Guerrero will sign the NPM Proclamation on Friday, August 30, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governors Complex, Large Conference Room.

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No Immediate Threat Assessed from Reported North Korea Missile Tests

Read more about No Immediate Threat Assessed from Reported North Korea Missile Tests

Rip Currents are Life Threatening; Avoid Hazardous Seas

The National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office advised a large west swell and the broad monsoon winds south of Tropical Storm Krosa will continue to generate dangerous surf along west and north facing reefs through tonight and hazardous surf through Friday night. The following NWS advisories remain in effect:

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Avoid Hazardous Seas; NWS Advisories in Effect for the Marianas

Read more about Avoid Hazardous Seas; NWS Advisories in Effect for the Marianas

No Immediate Threat Assessed from Reported North Korea Missile Test

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), in conjunc

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Heavy Rains Cause Flooding on Guam; Practice Extreme Caution

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero met with key officials early this morning at the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) to discuss plans in place for any flood impacts for the island and to receive a brief update from the National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office, about what is expected. NWS advised 2-3 inches of rain has already fallen each day and an additional 1-2 inches is possible today. The ground is already saturated, causing flooding and overflow.

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No Immediate Threat Assessed from Reported North Korea Missile Test

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), in conjunction with the Mariana Regional Fusion Center (MRFC), federal and military partners, continue to monitor events surrounding the region including reports of a recent launch of an unidentified projectile out of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), today.

There was no indication the reported tests posed an immediate threat to Guam or the Marianas.

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Wet and Windy Conditions Persist Across the Marianas

The National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office advised wet and windy weather will persist across the Marianas as an active monsoon pattern generates numerous scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Although there are no tropical cyclones that pose a direct threat to the Marianas at this time, brief flooding is possible especially over poor drainage areas. The following NWS advisories remain in effect:

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NWS Issues Flood Warning for Guam; Drive with Caution

Read more about NWS Issues Flood Warning for Guam; Drive with Caution