NEWS: Kontra I Piligru 2019 Exercise Tests Multi-Agency Response

The Guam National Guard’s 94th Civil Support Team (CST) along with local and federal first responders will hold a two-day exercise beginning July 30. The event consists of various emergency scenarios, including chemical and biological training scenarios throughout the island and will test multi-agency response capabilities.

As part of the exercise, there will be heightened emergency response activity island-wide, including helicopter flight, sirens, horns, and loud explosions. Residents and visitors can expect a slight increase in traffic on Route 3 due to response vehicles utilizing that route.

Residents, visitors and motorists are advised there may be simulated emergency scenarios as part of the exercise at multiple tentative locations including but not limited to: District Court, Agana, Judiciary Court of Guam, Micronesia Mall, Two Lover’s Point, Sirena Building, Agana, Tanguisson Power Plant, Dededo Sports Complex, Public Health Northern Clinic, and the Guam International Airport Authority.

All exercise related activities will be closely monitored and controlled to ensure the safety of the public and responders involved. The community is reminded not to be alarmed if sirens, horns, explosions, and other sounds indicative of an emergency are heard.

“The exercise provides responders a controlled environment to test and accurately evaluate the response of the Civil Support Teams and multi-agency coordination during a crisis,” stated Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Kontra I Piligru has proven to be a key component to practice and maintain our readiness for all-hazards.”

“We fully support this exercise as it helps to ensure our Soldiers and Airmen, assigned to the 94th Civil Support Team-Weapons of Mass Destruction, remain proficient in their skills and to strengthen the partnerships with local and federal first responders,” said Maj. Gen. (GU) Esther J.C. Aguigui, The Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard.

In addition to the National Guard’s CST, local and federal agencies participating in the exercise include Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, Mariana Regional Fusion Center, Guam Police Department, Guam Fire Department, Judiciary of Guam, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, Guam Waterworks Authority, Guam International Airport Authority, Guam Customs and Quarantine, Guam Power Authority, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, Department of Public Health and Social Services, U.S. District Court of Guam, Joint Region Marianas, Naval Base Guam, Federal Bureau of Investigations, TSA, Naval Hospital, and other local and federal agencies.

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.