Press Release- Marcial A. Sablan and Mt Carmel to conduct Tsunami Evacuation Drill October 17, 2024 10:18am

Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHSOCD) is pleased to announce that Mt. Carmel and Marcial Sablan Elementary Schools will conduct a local tsunami evacuation drill on October 17, 2024, at 10:18 AM. This drill will follow the Great Guam Shakeout, reinforcing our community's preparedness for natural disasters.

This collaborative effort involves coordination with the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense, Hagat Mayor's Office, Guam Department of Education, Mt. Carmel Charter School, and the Archdiocese of Guam, coordinated by Father Harold from Mt. Carmel Church. Together, these organizations aim to enhance awareness and readiness among students, staff, and families in the event of a local tsunami.

The drill will simulate a local tsunami threat, enabling participants to practice quick and efficient evacuation techniques. Families are encouraged to discuss the importance of preparedness at home, ensuring everyone knows what to do in case of an actual emergency.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety and resilience of our community," said Esther Aguigui Guam Homeland Security. “Emergency preparedness drills are essential for transforming theoretical knowledge into practical skills, ensuring individuals and organizations can respond effectively and efficiently during crisis,” adds Charles Esteves, Civil Defense Administrator.

Community Involvement

Parents and guardians are invited to support the drill by discussing the importance of emergency preparedness with their children. It’s a great opportunity for families to review their own emergency plans and discuss where to meet and how to communicate during a crisis.

For more information about the drill and tsunami preparedness, please visit the Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense website or contact your local school.

Visit the following links for the latest information:

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

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

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.