JIC Release No. 7 - Emergency Shelters Now Open; Support for O2 Dependent Residents; Expectant Mothers Now Accepted; Healthcare Updates; Clarification on Emergency Declaration

Emergency Shelters Open Now:

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) opened six (6) emergency shelters at 6 p.m. this evening. GDOE is able to accommodate O2 dependent residents who need a power source at certain emergency shelters. See below for more information:

Northern

• AsTumbo Elementary School

• Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School - Able to accommodate O2 dependent residents 

• Machananao Elementary School

• Upi Elementary School

Central

• George Washington High School - Able to accommodate O2 dependent residents 

Southern

• Talo’fo’fo Elementary School - Able to accommodate O2 dependent residents 

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. Village Mayors’ contact information is listed below:

Healthcare Updates:

GMH Update

Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) has begun accepting pregnant mothers who are thirty-six (36) weeks or more and all high-risk pregnant mothers who are twenty-four (24) weeks or more into their pregnancy as of 6 p.m. this evening. Pregnant mothers who arrive later will still be accepted. Expectant mothers are asked to please check with their healthcare provider for guidance if they are unsure if they have a high-risk pregnancy.

Upon arrival, pregnant mothers should check in at the Patient Registration Dept. on the 1st floor. Expectant mothers will remain at the hospital for the duration of the storm until it is determined to be safe for them to return to their homes at COR 4.

All pregnant mothers are asked to have a complete meal before they check into the hospital this evening. Pregnant mothers are asked to please bring their own clean pillows, blankets, and linens.

All pregnant mothers who need to come to GMH are asked to bring the following for their comfort and convenience:

1. ID and insurance cards

2. Meals will be provided but mothers are encouraged to bring additional drinking water and snacks that do not require refrigeration or heating

3. Any necessary medications

4. Mothers asked to bring in their own clean pillows, blankets, and linens so they are comfortable

5. Personal toiletries (soap, toothbrush, lotions, etc.)

6. Change of clothing

7. Entertainment (i.e. games, cards, movies, headphones, books, etc.) to help pass the time

For hospital safety, the following RESTRICTIONS will be in place for all pregnant mothers:

• No escorts, support persons, children, or pets (with the exception of service animals) will be allowed to accompany pregnant mothers

• No smoking/vaping, alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons will be permitted

For the community’s safety, visiting hours and family viewings will be suspended upon announcement of COR 1 with the exception of approved watchers. All Elective Outpatient Surgeries for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, October 9-11, 2023 will be rescheduled. GMHA will announce resuming regular services after the declaration of COR 4.

Fresenius Dialysis Centers Update

The Fresenius Dialysis Centers will be open from 5 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10. Fresenius facilities have contacted patients regarding their dialysis treatments. The clinics are tentatively scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, October 11. 

Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic Update

The Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic will be closed on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. 

Clarification on Emergency Declaration:

Today, President Biden approved Governor Leon Guerrero’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration in response to Tropical Storm Bolaven. The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the territory of Guam.

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)

• Tune in to Boss 104 FM, Hit Radio 100 100.3 FM, Kool FM 92.7, KPRG 89.3 FM, The Point 93.3 FM and 1350 AM and Star 101 FM