JIC Release No. 4 - Guam in COR 2; Bolaven Continues Approach to the Marianas - GHS OCD

Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 2. Concurrently, 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 7 a.m., Tropical Storm Bolaven was located near 10.9 degrees north latitude and 151.1 degrees east longitude, about 460 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving northwest at 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. It is expected to make a slight turn toward the northwest with a slight increase in forward speed through Tuesday. Bolaven is forecast to intensify through Tuesday afternoon, possibly becoming a typhoon.

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).

A tropical storm warning is now in effect for Guam, meaning tropical storm force winds of 39 mph or more are expected within 24 hours, and that Typhoon force winds are possible.

A typhoon watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. A typhoon watch means that there is a high possibility for damaging (39 mph) and/or destructive (58 mph) winds.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of Guam and the Northern Marianas with 6 - 10 inches of rainfall possible.

Shelter Information will be Provided Later Today

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is preparing to open certain emergency shelters at 6:00 p.m. today, October 9. More information is forthcoming regarding locations, rules and regulations. Emergency shelters will NOT be open until 6 p.m., Monday, October 9. Do not attempt to go to any emergency shelter until the designated opening time.

Government of Guam Closed; Exceptions to Certain Operations

At COR2, the Government of Guam and the Guam Department of Education schools, with the exception of essential services, will not be operational and will remain closed until COR 4 is announced.

Emergency Rental Assistance eligible tenants with documents submission due dates of Oct 9-11, 2023 will have an automatic extension for document submission to Friday, Oct 13.

Healthcare Update

GMH Update

Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) will be 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 beginning October 9, 2023 at 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:

ID and insurance cards
Meals will be provided but mothers are encouraged to bring additional drinking water and snacks that do not require refrigeration or heating
Any necessary medications
Mothers asked to bring in their own clean pillows, blankets, and linens so they are comfortable
Personal toiletries (soap, toothbrush, lotions, etc.)
Change of clothing
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 I 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.

DPHSS Update

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) announces that during Condition of Readiness (COR) 2, the following Division of Senior Citizens (DSC) essential services will be provided on Monday October 9, 2023:

Homebound Meals: Warm meals will be provided Monday October 9, 2023. For any questions individuals can contact SH Enterprises, the Elderly Nutrition Program vendor at (671)-649-9716/9727.
Senior Citizens Centers and Adult Day Care Centers will only provide Grab-n-Go meals for Senior Center and Adult Day Care clients at their respective Centers on Monday October 9, 2023. For any questions individuals can contact SH Enterprises, the Elderly Nutrition Program vendor at (671)-649-9716/9727.
Case Management Services, In-Home Services and the National Family Caregiver Support Program will provide services on Monday October 9, 2023. For more information individuals may contact (671)-735-3277.
Elder Justice Legal Assistance Services will be closed Monday, October 9, 2023 and will remain closed until further notice.
Transportation services program will provide services on Monday October 9, 2023. For more information contact (671) 647-7382 dispatch.
To report abuse against a senior age 60 and older or an adult with a disability age 18 years and older individuals can contact the 24 Hours Crisis Intervention Hotline at (671) 632-8853.

For any questions or inquiries, individuals can email Biba.seniorcitizens@dphss.guam.gov.

The DPHSS Northern Community Health Center (NRCHC) Pharmacy will close at 12pm on Monday, October 9. CHC patients are urged to refill their prescriptions before 12:00 pm.

GBHWC Update

The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) Pharmacy will be open today, October 9, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. The GBHWC Suicide & Crisis Lifeline remains operational 24/7. The community may call or text the hotline at 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

GFD Safety Tips

GENERATOR SAFETY: If you are using a generator in the event of a power outage, please adhere to the following safety precautions:

Be aware of hazards: Common hazards include shocks and electrocution from incorrect use, carbon monoxide (CO) from a generator’s exhaust, fires from improper refueling or fuel storage, and noise/vibration hazards.
Keep generators at least 15 feet from any open window, door, or vent while in use. Do not operate a generator in a garage or storage area even with the door open.
Always follow instructions in the owner’s manual proper “grounding” of the generator.
Clear flammable and combustible material at least 3 to 4 feet around the generator to avoid a fire. Place the generator either in a dry area or under an open canopy structure outside and away from your home; never run generators in the rain or when wet.
Plug appliances directly into the generator and do not plug multiple power strips together. If you must use an extension cord, it should be 3-pronged, grounded, heavy-duty and labeled for outdoor use. Check cords regularly for damage (such as cuts or fraying) that could cause a fire.
Do not “back feed” power by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Back feeding will put you and others, including utility workers, at serious risk for electrocution and/or electrical fire risk. • Even if operated for a short time, generators can become hot very quickly. If you must touch the generator, wear protective gloves. To avoid electric shock or electrocution, do not try to fix or otherwise work on a generator while it is on or plugged in.
Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby. If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning (light-headed, dizzy, tiredness, or nausea) go outside immediately for fresh air and seek medical attention.

FUEL STORAGE:

Only use fuel recommended in the owner’s manual.
Keep fuel in an ANSI-approved container away from the generator.
Store outdoors in a cool, well-ventilated space – never indoors.
Do not fuel the generator while it is running.

USE OF CANDLES: The Guam Fire Department recommends the use of flashlights instead of candles during power outages; however, if you must use candles, the following safety measures must be taken:

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles completely before you leave the room or go to sleep.
Do not burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep candles away from decorations, curtains, bedding, paper, walls, furniture, and other combustible materials.
Always keep candles, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children and never leave children unattended in a room where candles are lit. Place candles out of the reach of children and pets and away from areas where they can be knocked over.
Keep burning candles away from flammable liquids.
Never touch or move a burning candle when the wax is liquefied

Prepare Now

For interests at ports, docks and marinas, it is recommended that you perform the prescribed preparations according to your emergency operations plan for tropical cyclones. If you live on a boat, begin to safely secure your craft and make plans to leave it for adequate land based shelter. Listen for possible warnings. Regarding the Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan coastal waters, small craft should return to port or seek safe harbor.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautionary actions:

Those living in flood-prone areas should take action now; clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding;
Stay up to date with the latest information;
Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds, such as canopies, tarps, and trampolines, before inclement weather arrives;
Have an emergency kit prepared: Store enough food and water for your household for 7-10 days. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies;
Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag;
Review your emergency plan: If you do not have a plan, learn how to create an emergency plan; Have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities or a caregiver for elderly, you may need to take extra steps to plan for those additional needs.
Get emergency alerts: Stay informed by having a weather alert radio, battery-operated, or hand-crank radio, where you can listen to emergency news;
Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators;
Pull cash from the ATM in case of power outages;
Don’t drive through flood waters: Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle;
Secure your home. Put up shutters or board windows to mitigate impact.

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)

> Forecast Track - OCT09 7PM

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 Release No. 4 - Guam in COR 2; Bolaven Continues Approach to the Marianas