- SPECIAL BULLETIN -

GVB/Tumon Recovery Efforts
Guam Visitors Bureau teams continue conducting field assessments throughout the Tumon visitor district. The vast majority of hotels remain on island power, and Guam continues to welcome visitors as recovery operations progress.

Stormwater clearance remains a primary operational focus. Crews continue cleaning culverts to ensure visitor corridors are safe and fully accessible. GVB's contractor also continues assessments of solar street lights for repair and removal.

GVB has completed clearing of Pale San Vitores Road, both southbound and northbound lanes. GVB also continues coastal assessments from Ypao Beach to Gun Beach, including the areas near Jimmy Dee's and Hagåtña Bay. To support the tourism industry's recovery, GVB is working with hotel partners to remove debris and green waste by coordinating and allocating disposal sites to facilitate cleanup efforts.

In addition to recovery efforts, GVB staff were at the airport yesterday to bid farewell to departing visitors. Passengers on Japan Airlines (JAL) and United Airlines flights to Narita received a small token of appreciation and a personal thank-you for visiting Guam.


Port Authority of Guam Update
The Port Authority of Guam resumed gatehouse operations today, marking the first phase in the gradual restoration of normal terminal operations.
Gantry Cranes Status: The gantry cranes are undergoing drying and assessment of electrical components. This work is integral to the Port's phased recovery as operational integrity of the cranes is essential to the resumption of cargo vessel operations.


Typhoon Debris Disposal Site Opening
The Government of Guam, in coordination with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA), will open the official typhoon debris removal site at Ypao Point, Tamuning (also known as the old Guam Memorial Hospital site) on Thursday, July 9. Only green waste and construction debris will be accepted. Green waste includes trees, shrubs, branches, trunks, yard trimmings, grass clippings, and leaves. Construction debris includes lumber, plywood, gypsum board, glass, steel, corrugated tin and roofing. The site will be open for residents from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends, until Saturday, July 25.


The following items will not be accepted at the disposal site: 

• Household garbage, including food, batteries, toys and oils
• White goods, including appliances
• Electronics, including solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, power banks, portable power stations
• Hazardous waste, including asbestos-containing materials, cleaning products, paint, pesticides, petroleum products, and solvents
• Furniture, cookware, sinks, and coolers
• Tiles, cement, and tools
• Garden hoses, lawn decorations, plastic and ceramic pots
• Plumbing items, including PVC pipes, toilet bowls, and fiberglass tubs
• BBQ grills, canopy pipes and tarps, metal shelves and lockers
• Gym, lawn, and playground equipment
• Tires, car/vehicle parts, and bicycles
• Biological and medical waste, including spoiled and rotting perishables and animal remains

The public is advised to use alternate and proper disposal methods for the above-mentioned prohibited items. Contact Guam Solid Waste Authority at 671-646-3111 for more information on GSWA disposal policies.

These bans are in place to protect both the environment and site workers. To keep our community safe and ensure efficient cleanup, please review these essential guidelines for disposing of disaster-related materials. Following proper waste separation rules protects public health and helps our island maximize FEMA reimbursement for disaster recovery efforts.

Entry lines will be closed by 4:30 p.m. to ensure the final vehicle is admitted by 5 p.m., allowing crews time to safely secure the site for the night — an essential measure to protect both the public unloading debris and the personnel assisting them.

Community members are reminded that access to Ypao Point during operational hours is at their own risk. Proper footwear, including closed-toe shoes, and appropriate attire are strongly advised to help prevent injuries while disposing of their debris.


DISID Resumes Normal Operations
The Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities confirmed it resumed normal operations beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, when previously announced issues with an inoperable generator were resolved.

GWA Boil Water Notice for Customers Without Water for 48 Hours or Longer
The Guam Waterworks Authority advises customers that a precautionary boil water notice is in effect for customers who have lost water for 48 hours or more. THIS NOTICE DOES NOT APPLY TO CUSTOMERS WHO DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY LOSS IN WATER SERVICE.

For customers who experienced a loss in water for 48 hours or more, it is MANDATORY to boil your water and are advised:

• DO NOT DRINK WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST
• Bring water to a boil, allow it to boil for 3 minutes, and let it cool before using
• Boiled water can be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, food preparation, and washing dishes.

Keeping Food Safe in Power Outages
The lack of power after a super typhoon disaster can spoil food and water, making it unsafe to consume.  The Division of Environmental Health of the Department of Public Health and Social Services recommends the following steps to keep your food and water safe:

Food Safety

• Throw out perishable food (i.e., meat, fish, eggs, milk, cut melons, cut tomatoes, cut leafy greens, sprouts, leftovers) in your refrigerator when the power has been off for four hours or more.
• Thawed frozen food that still contains ice crystals can be refrozen or cooked immediately.
• Throw out these foods and containers that may have had contact with flood or storm water:
  • Food with unusual odor, color, or texture
  • Cans or food containers that are bulging, open, or dented
  • Food not in waterproof containers or cans
  • Food canned at home
  • Food in cardboard containers (including juice, milk, and baby formula)
  • Food in a container with screw caps, snap lids, crimped caps, twist caps, flip tops, and snap-tops.

• Throw out the following items that may have had contact with flood or storm water:
  • Wooden cutting boards
  • Baby bottle nipples and pacifiers

• Clean and sanitize things that touch food in a four-step process:
  • Wash with soap and clean water.
  • Rinse with clean water.
  • Sanitize by immersing for 1 minute in a solution of 1 cup (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of clean water.
  • Allow to air dry.

• Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.

Drinking Water Safety
Listen for announcements from local officials to find out if there are germs and/or chemicals in the water.

Boil water if instructed.  Boil it for at least 1 minute (start counting when the water comes to a constant boil).  Let the water cool sufficiently before drinking. Use bottled water if instructed.  Sometimes after a disaster, there may be chemicals in the water that boiling cannot remove.
 

• For infants:
  • Breast-feed or use ready-made formula.
  • If you must use water to make formula, use only commercially bottled water until officials say your tap water is safe to drink

• Things you should never do:
  • Never drink the water unless you know it is safe.
  • Never wash or clean dishes, utensils, toys, or other objects in the water unless you know it is safe.
  • Never bathe in the water unless you know it is safe.
  • Never cook with the water unless you know it is safe.
  • Never brush your teeth with the water unless you know it is safe.
  • Never use the water to make ice unless you know it is safe.

For further information about this requirement, please contact the Food Safety Program of the Division of Environmental Health at 300-9579 or via email at dphss-deh@dphss.guam.gov.

Stay Out of the Water - Conditions are Life-Threatening
Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure:

• High-risk of rip currents, which may be life-threatening, is in effect through Friday afternoon.
• Coastal Flood Advisory in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday. Dangerously large breaking waves up to 16 feet and minor coastal flooding are expected. 
• High Surf Warning is in effect until 4 p.m. Thursday of up to 16 ft., and coastal inundation of 1 to 2 ft. can be expected now through late this afternoon, especially along west-facing shores. Even so, surf will remain elevated enough to continue to produce a high risk of rip currents along south, west, and north facing reefs the next few days, while dropping to moderate along north reefs Thursday. Life-threatening swimming conditions can be expected.

GBHWC Suicide & Crisis Lifeline remains operational 24/7. The community may call or text the hotline at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. 

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/
• JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam 
• JTF-M Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Joint-Task-Force-Micronesia-61561148861855/ 

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.