The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) invite the community to participate in Typhoon Preparedness Month (TPM) throughout the month of June 2020. TPM is an opportunity to promote typhoon hazard preparedness as an active collaboration among federal, territorial and local emergency management agencies, community leaders and the public.
Although Guam continues to respond to the COVD-19 pandemic, it is important to also prepare for one of Guam’s most prevalent natural hazards - typhoon season. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the community is reminded to anticipate added complexities of conducting preparedness activities for typhoons while taking protective measures.
The National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in conjunction with several states and territories, declare a Typhoon Preparedness Week for their respective areas each year to encourage people to prepare for Typhoon disasters. With typhoons being one of Guam’s most frequent natural disasters, GHS/OCD, with emergency management partners, have extended the initiative for a month. TPM provides an excellent opportunity to highlight Guam’s abilities to recognize the threat storms and typhoons pose to our community.
Throughout the month of June, GHS/OCD will promote information through social media about typhoon preparedness. Each week in June will have a separate theme and focus:
· Week 1, June - 7: Introduction to Tropical Cyclones
· Week 2, June 8 - 14: Determine Your Risk and Develop an Evacuation Plan
· Week 3, June 15 - 21: Assemble Disaster Supplies
· Week 4, June 22 - 28: Get an Insurance Check Up and Strengthen Your Home
· Week 5, June 29 - 30: Help Your Neighbor and Complete a Written Plan
Those interested in participating and finding more information throughout the month are encouraged to follow Guam Homeland Security on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Residents and visitors are encouraged to use TPM as a chance to open discussions with friends and family about typhoon preparedness by using the following resources:
· https://www.weather.gov/wrn/
· https://www.weather.gov/
· https://www.ready.gov/
· https://ghs.guam.gov/programs/
For more information, contact GHS/OCD Typhoon Program Manager Maria Romulo at (671) 475-9600 or via email at marialoralyn.romulo@ghs.guam.
For media inquiries, contact Public Information Officer, Jenna Blas at (671) 489-2540 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov.