JIC Release No. 2 - COR 1 Anticipated at Midnight; Transportation to GDOE Shelters Available; GPA Continues Pre-Storm Measures in Preparation of Tropical Storm Man-Yi; GFD Generator and Candle Safety Tips; GFD Water Safety; Additional Updates - GHS OCD

COR 1 Anticipated at Midnight Tonight
Acting Governor Josh Tenorio anticipates declaring Condition of Readiness (COR) 1 at midnight tonight. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Guam, meaning tropical storm conditions, including damaging winds of 39 mph or more, are expected early Wednesday morning.

Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS) Guam has issued a Coast Flood Advisory in Effect for Guam until Thursday at 6 a.m. Expected impacts are flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected.

Transportation to GDOE Shelters
If you need transportation to an emergency shelter, a shuttle service will be available with two pickup locations:

Academy of Our Lady of Guam Gym departing to George Washington High School
Tamuning Mayor's Office departing to Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School

The shuttle will depart at 8 p.m.

Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School, George Washington High School, and Talofofo Elementary School will be opening as emergency shelters at 7 p.m. tonight. Those seeking shelter are encouraged to bring essential items such as a 7-day supply of food and water, bedding, personal hygiene products, medication, and important documents, including identification and medical records.

GPA Continues Pre-Storm Measures
The Guam Power Authority (GPA) continues its proactive measures to prepare the island-wide power system for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Man-Yi. As part of their ongoing storm preparedness protocols, GPA crews are working to safeguard power plants and substations, ensuring they are fortified against tropical storm conditions. These preparations include:

Vegetation Management: Although vegetation clearing is conducted year-round, GPA’s Transmission and Distribution (T&D) teams are giving special attention to areas known for overgrowth, including excessive trees and bamboo, which can pose risks during storms.
Emergency Staffing: GPA has ensured that appropriate staffing levels are in place to respond to any emergencies, as long as weather conditions permit safe operations.
Generator Readiness: GPA teams are checking and fueling standby generators, including those for water wells, to ensure they are operational and ready to provide backup power if needed.
Adequate Inventory: GPA has worked toward increased inventory to ensure that critical materials and supplies are readily available when needed.

GPA urges all customers to take precautions and safely clear any debris or vegetation around their homes that could become hazardous during the storm. For power-related emergencies or reports of downed power lines, contact GPA’s Power Systems Control Center (PSCC) Dispatch at (671) 475-1472/3/4. Customers can also report emergencies via GPA’s Facebook or Instagram direct messaging services. GPA’s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and smart grid management systems will provide GPA with real-time data on power outages. To ensure emergency lines remain open for urgent safety issues, customers are asked to refrain from calling unless reporting immediate dangers such as downed lines, poles, or sparking transformers. GPA will continue to run the island-wide power system and keep the power on for as long as the feeders/circuits remain intact.

FD Updates
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 for 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. Backfeeding 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, dizziness, 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, bedding, 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.

GFD Provides Water Safety Tips
Residents and visitors of Guam are cautioned against engaging in any kind of water-related activities during the approach and passing of Tropical Storm Man-Yi. The public is advised to stay clear of the ocean as hazardous sea conditions are being created by Tropical Storm Man-Yi. In addition to entering the water during heavy surf and rough seas, residents and visitors are also advised against venturing along trails close to the water or shoreline, as high surf can knock a person down and sweep them off beaches and rocks. These waves can be deadly, even for the most experienced swimmers. Residents should also be informed that before and during the storm, rescue personnel may not be able to respond due to deteriorating weather conditions. Resources such as boats, jet skis, and aircraft normally involved in search and rescue operations may be secured when conditions become too dangerous.

GWSA to Close on November 13
The Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) today announced operational changes due to the approaching Tropical Storm Man-Yi:

GSWA Administrative and Customer Service offices, Layon Landfill, and the Hauler Only Transfer Station will be open for normal business hours today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024 and trash collection services will continue as scheduled for Tuesday customers, ensuring minimal disruptions to our services.
GSWA facilities will be closed, and trash collection services will be temporarily suspended effective Wednesday, November 13, 2024, until the Governor declares COR 4 or unless otherwise announced by GSWA.
Customers are strongly advised to securely store their trash and recycle bins. This precaution will help prevent the loss or scattering of waste and recyclables during adverse weather conditions and prevent potential hazards.
Customers are advised to stay informed about further updates through the GSWA website and the Joint Information Center. GSWA thanks our customers for their understanding and cooperation. Please take all necessary precautions and stay safe.

Guam National Guard AAFES Shoppette and Gas Station are Closed
With the announcement of Condition of Readiness 2, the Guam National Guard AAFES Shoppette and Gas station are now closed.

Bank of Guam to Close Until Further Notice
Effective Tuesday, November 12, 2024, BOG Headquarters, along with all Guam and CNMI branches, will be closed until further notice. The Familia Contact Center will close at 9:00 pm and all branches and the Contact Center will remain closed until the return to COR 4.

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/

For more information, contact Acting Public Information Officer Stephen Cahill at (671) 489-9517 or via email at stephen.cahill@ghs.guam.gov.

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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.

JIC Release No. 2 - COR 1 Anticipated at Midnight; Transportation to GDOE Shelters Available; GPA Continues Pre-Storm Measures in Preparation of Tropical Storm Man-Yi; GFD Generator and Candle Safety Tips; GFD Water Safety; Additional Updates