JIC Release No. 17 - Utilities Update; GFD Safety Tips; Coastal-lying Hazard, Do Not Collect Sand

GPA Update:

Immediately after the passage of storm/typhoon conditions with Condition of Readiness (COR) 1, the Guam Power Authority (GPA) will begin its restoration of service process.

Critical restoration priorities will include hospitals, critical water wells and wastewater facilities, critical infrastructure facilities e.g., communications, schools/shelters, public safety/health and ports of entry.

Residents are asked not to inundate or overwhelm GPA Trouble Dispatch lines with inquiries regarding service restoration. Updates on power restoration will be provided to the media, Office of Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense and posted on GPA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GuamPowerAuthority).

As restoration of power progress and communications systems are restored, the Authority’s Automated Meter Infrastructure or Smart Meter Network and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) will know the areas experiencing outages, and will be able to locate outage pockets within the villages and assign line crews to make repairs.

Trouble Dispatchers will receive calls for down energized (sparking) lines, damaged poles or blown transformers.  Please stay away from all down lines and equipment as they may still be energized and can cause harm if you come in contact with the lines or equipment. Consider such situations as dangerous and life threatening. If such conditions are present, please immediately report this situation to GPA's 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch at 475-1472/3/4 or via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page. Please provide the exact location or address, contact information and condition of location.

GWA Update:

The Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) is asking that customers in the southern region of the island from Ipan to Humåtak conserve water due to high turbidity in the Ugum river. For information, contact GWA’s 24/7 phone line at (671)646-4211 or go to www.facebook.com/guamwaterworksauthority.

GFD Update:

The Guam Fire Department (GFD) advises the community of the following safety tips:

GENERATOR SAFETY

If you are using a generator in the event of a power outage, please adhere to the following safety precautions:

• Be aware of hazards: Common hazards include shocks and electrocution from incorrect use, carbon monoxide (CO) from a generator’s exhaust, fires from improper refueling or fuel storage, and noise/vibration hazards.

• Keep generators at least 15 feet from any open window, door, or vent while in use. Do not operate a generator in a garage or storage area even with the door open.

• Always follow instructions in the owner’s manual proper “grounding” of the generator.

• Clear flammable and combustible material at least 3 to 4 feet around the generator to avoid a fire.

• Place the generator either in a dry area or under an open canopy structure outside and away from your home; never run generators in the rain or when wet.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator and do not plug multiple power strips together. If you must use an extension cord, it should be 3-pronged, grounded, heavy-duty and labeled for outdoor use.

• Check cords regularly for damage (such as cuts or fraying) that could cause a fire.

• Do not “back feed” power by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Back feeding will put you and others, including utility workers, at serious risk for electrocution and/or electrical fire risk.

• Even if operated for a short time, generators can become hot very quickly. If you must touch the generator, wear protective gloves. To avoid electric shock or electrocution, do not try to fix or otherwise work on a generator while it is on or plugged in.

• Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby. If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning (light-headed, dizzy, tiredness, or nausea) go outside immediately for fresh air and seek medical attention.

FUEL STORAGE

• Only use fuel recommended in the owner’s manual.

• Keep fuel in an ANSI-approved container away from the generator.

• Store outdoors in a cool, well-ventilated space – never indoors.
  Do not fuel the generator while it is running.

USE OF CANDLES

The Guam Fire Department recommends the use of flashlights instead of candles during power outages;

however, if you must use candles, the following safety measures must be taken:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles completely before you leave the room or go to sleep.

• Do not burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep candles away from decorations, curtains, beddings, paper, walls, furniture, and other combustible materials.

• Always keep candles, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children and never leave children unattended in a room where candles are lit. Place candles out of the reach of children and pets and away from areas where they can be knocked over.

• Keep burning candles away from flammable liquids.

• Never touch or move a burning candle when the wax is liquefied.

In the event of emergency dial 911. For information or assistance please call:

Sandbags

Due to ongoing evacuation of low lying coastal areas of Guam, residents in need of sandbags are encouraged to contact their respective Mayor’s Office for assistance. Do NOT attempt to go to coastal areas to collect sand for sandbags. 

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

• NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/

• NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/

• GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/

• GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

• JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam 

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/10 or the GHS/OCD 24/7 watch desk at (671) 475-9600.