JIC Release No. 5 - Emergency Shelter Update; DPHSS Update; GFD Update; GSWA Update

Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 2. At COR2, the Government of Guam, with the exception of essential services, will not be operational and will remain closed until COR 4 is announced. 

Joint Region Marianas (JRM), Naval Base Guam (NBG), Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB), and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (MCBCB) are in Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) 2. The Department of Defense (DoD) will delay implementing some of the TCCOR2 actions to minimize impact to installation services. All essential and customer services that would normally be open on Columbus Day will remain open on Monday, October 9. For installation-specific operations or questions, please consult the respective installation Facebook page or reach out to the Public Affairs Officer.

Bolaven Update

As of 1 p.m., Tropical Storm Bolaven was located near 11.1 degrees north latitude and 149.9 degrees east longitude, about 380 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west-northwest at 10 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. Bolaven is forecast to intensify through tonight, possibly becoming a typhoon Tuesday morning. 

Tropical storm force winds of 39 mph or more are expected for Guam as early as Tuesday midday and lasting through Wednesday. At this time, the closest point of approach to Guam is 8 p.m. Tuesday. This could change. 

Tropical Storm Bolaven should not be underestimated. All islands will feel the passage of Bolaven, but any one, or two, islands could face a direct hit (maximum intensity). 

Emergency Shelters to Open at 6 PM:

If you need to evacuate to an emergency shelter, before you leave home, shut off your incoming electricity at the main breaker or switch, usually located by the electric meter or in the circuit breaker panel. If you are dependent on an electrically-powered life support system, consider having a backup generator. Otherwise, make plans ahead of time to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available. 

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) has prepared to open six (6) emergency shelters at 6 p.m., Monday, October 9. Emergency shelters will NOT open prior to 6 pm. 

The following emergency shelters open today:

Northern

• AsTumbo Elementary School

• Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School

• Machananao Elementary School

• Upi Elementary School

Central

• George Washington High School

Southern

• Talo’fo’fo Elementary School

WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE TO THE SHELTER?

1. 7-day supply of food and water for all members of your family 

2. Bedding 

3. Personal hygiene products 

4. Medication 

5. 7-day of supply for infants and toddlers, including diapers and formula 

6. Valid Photo ID 

7. Important documents including birth certificates, passports and medical immunization cards 

SHELTER RULES 

1. Be respectful to fellow residents and staff. No foul language, abusive behavior, stealing or destruction of property will be accepted or tolerated.

2. Busing to/from shelters is available at the Mayors’ Offices.

3. Bring a 7-day supply of food, water & prescriptions; infants & toddlers should have a 7- day supply of disposable diapers, baby formula & baby food.

4. Bring bedding, toiletries, toilet tissue, and personal hygiene products.

5. Must complete registration. Bring a form of valid I.D.

6. Must report Tuberculosis or flu-like symptoms.

7. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and weapons are not allowed in the shelter or on the shelter grounds. Persons caught in possession will be asked to leave the shelter and in some cases turned over to law enforcement personnel. Persons determined to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be admitted, or readmitted to the shelter. 

8. Public Law 21-139 dictates that there is no smoking on school premises. Smoking is not allowed in the shelter. Smoking is permitted outside the campus in designated smoking areas only. Please dispose of cigarette butts properly. 

9. Quiet hours will be announced and enforced in the sleeping areas. However, sleeping areas should be kept quiet at all times. 

10. If you bring vital documents (i.e. Birth records, passports, etc.), secure them or keep them on you at all times. The Shelter is not responsible for these items if stolen. 

11. Parents must maintain responsibility and supervision for their children. Children must never be left unattended. 

12. No cooking or gas stoves.

13. For your safety DO NOT LEAVE THE SHELTER before COR 4 has been declared.

14. Only service animals are allowed at this time.

15. Pets cannot be sheltered at this time. For those seeking shelter for their pets, make plans for them now to stay with a loved one, friend or family member as pets will not be allowed in the emergency shelters. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Those seeking shelter who do not have reliable transportation, or have a disability and need a ride to a designated storm shelter, are advised to contact their village Mayor’s Office for information on transportation. Residents will need to go to their respective Mayor’s Office for bus transportation to the shelters. Transportation to the shelters from the Village Mayor’s Offices will not begin until 5:30 p.m., Monday, October 9. Village Mayors’ contact information is listed below:

DPHSS Update:

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Division of Environmental Health (DEH) Pre-Operational Inspection appointments scheduled for October 9, 2023 and October 10, 2023 are canceled; applicants will be contacted by DEH to reschedule when normal operations resume.

For clearances for business licenses and permits, the Business License and Permit Center (BLPC) is currently closed. DEH will resume the processing of clearances once BLPC reopens.

Once BLPC resumes normal operations, a DEH representative will be available on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for accepting new Sanitary Permit applications and for the processing of clearances. 

Call (671) 300-9571/75 or email dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov for more information.

The DPHSS Southern Region Community Health Center (SRCHC) in Inalahan will open at 6 p.m. this evening and will remain open throughout Tropical Storm Bolaven. DPHSS reminds the community that if you are experiencing a life-threatening condition to please contact 911.

GFD Update:

Patients that require constant supplemental oxygen at home are urged to ensure they have filled, backup cylinders to last the duration of the storm. Those with powered units should also have an alternative source that does not require electricity in case of power outages.

Water Safety:

Residents and visitors of Guam and CNMI are cautioned against engaging in any kind of water-related activities during the approach and passing of Tropical Storm Bolaven. The public is advised to stay clear of the ocean as hazardous sea conditions are being created by Tropical Storm Bolaven.

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.

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.

GSWA Update:

Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) Administrative and Customer Service offices, Residential Transfer Stations, Layon Landfill, and the Hauler Only Transfer Station are open for normal business hours today, Monday, October 9, 2023. Additionally, trash collection services will continue as scheduled for Monday customers. 

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, GSWA facilities will be closed and trash collection services will be temporarily suspended until COR 4 is declared or unless otherwise announced by GSWA. Customers are strongly advised to securely store their trash and recycle bins to help prevent the loss or scattering of waste and recyclables and prevent potential hazards during adverse weather conditions. For more information, visit www.guamsolidwasteauthority.com

Visit the following links for the latest 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/

• Build A Kit | Ready.gov

• Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources (weather.gov)

• National Hurricane Preparedness | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov)

Click here to view Forecast Track OCT09 1PM