Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application Period Opens

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) announces Guam is expected to receive $6 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding available for Government of Guam entities and private non-profit organizations to address mitigation measures and infrastructural improvements. The application period opened on February 7, 2022.

As a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration recognizing the COVID-19 pandemic, federal funds are being made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Guam is expected to receive approximately $6,052,983. HMGP awards can be used to fund projects that protect public or private property and reduce risk to people and property on Guam, including but not limited to: relocating structures from hazard prone areas, retrofitting structures to protect them from floods, or developing mitigation plans.

"In the face of health and economic challenges, we have learned that investing strategically will build our island’s resiliency and protect our children’s prosperity,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “This funding will add further value to our investments and enhance our ability to bounce back from future challenges faster and stronger than ever before.”

“We encourage eligible government entities and non-profit organizations to strengthen their infrastructure by applying for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program no later than Monday, February 21, 2022, with the assistance of the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio.

Eligible Government of Guam entities and private non-profit organizations have been notified and technical assistance sessions will be scheduled as needed. Eligible applicants are encouraged to begin the HMGP application process by completing a Notice of Interest (NOI) form and submitting to Leo Espia, State Hazard Mitigation Officer, at leo.espia@ghs.guam.gov and Ken Artero, Hazard Mitigation Grants Coordinator, at ken.artero@ghs.guam.gov. The final deadline to submit completed project sub-applications is Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

For more information, contact Hazard Mitigation Grants Coordinator Ken Artero at 671-475-9600 or ken.artero@ghs.guam.gov, or visit https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation. For media inquiries, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer Jenna G. Blas at 671-489-2540 or jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov.

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.