All GDOE Schools Closed September 11, 2024; Maria A. Ulloa designated Shelter

In response to the impending weather conditions, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has declared Guam to be in Condition of Readiness 3 (COR 3) as of 3:00 p.m. This status indicates that damaging winds of 39-57 mph are anticipated within the next 48 hours. Consequently, the Guam Department of Education announced the cancellation of classes on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, to ensure the safety of students and staff. However, all employees at the Tiyan Central Office are required to report to work. Additionally, school administrators are tasked with the responsibility of securing their respective schools in preparation for the expected conditions. The community is advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the situation develops.

In response to the heightened state of readiness due to impending severe weather conditions, Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School has been designated as an emergency shelter and will open its doors at 6:00 p.m. today to accommodate those in need of refuge. This proactive measure ensures that individuals and families residing in areas vulnerable to the effects of the storm have access to a safe environment. Community members are encouraged to bring essential items such as a 7-day supply of food and water, bedding, personal hygiene products, medication, and important documents including identification and medical records. It is imperative for the safety of all residents to adhere to the evacuation orders and seek shelter promptly, as the school is part of a network of facilities prepared to provide support during such critical times.

For more information, contact Acting Public Information Officer, Stephen Cahill at (671) 489-9517 or via email at stephen.cahill@ghs.guam.gov

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

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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.