JIC Recovery Release No. 3 - JIC Aware of Viral Message Circulating - GHS OCD

The Joint Information Center (JIC) is aware of a viral message circulating on WhatsApp regarding Individual Assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s request for an emergency declaration. Immediately after the typhoon Governor Leon Guerrero requested a Major Disaster Declaration which was approved and granted today. A Major Disaster Declaration allows the Government of Guam and eligible non-profit organizations to be reimbursed for emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance program.

With an approved Major Disaster Declaration we can begin the multi-step process of applying for Individual Assistance.

FEMA’s Incident Management Assistance Team arrived on the island prior to the typhoon’s landfall at the request of the Governor. More teams are arriving to conduct damage assessments, in conjunction with government of Guam officials, which is a standard process. These assessments will take into account damage to homes and public infrastructure. After that assessment is completed, the government of Guam can use the data to determine if the recovery process is beyond the combined capabilities of the government. If so, an official request can be made for additional federal assistance, such as Individual Assistance, which provides grants for homeowners and renters like rental assistance and money for home repairs.

Although the viral message circulating is inaccurate, it is still a good preparedness practice to take before and after pictures of your property for insurance purposes and in the event assistance is available in the future.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam

The Joint Information Center (JIC) will continue to provide updates as they are made available. Contact the JIC at (671) 478-0208/09/10 for more information.

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 Recovery Release No. 3 - JIC Aware of Viral Message Circulating