No Direct Physical Threat to Guam Amid International Situation; Awareness Remains Key

Agana Heights, Guam — The Office of Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense (OHS-OCD) is closely monitoring the evolving international situation referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” a series of escalating military actions and counteractions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.

“At this time, there is no direct physical threat to Guam related to the ongoing conflict,” said Esther Aguigui, Homeland Security Advisor. “However, awareness remains key. We encourage residents to stay informed through official sources, remain vigilant against cyber threats and misinformation, and continue practicing everyday preparedness. OHS-OCD will continue coordinating with our local, regional, and federal partners and will provide updates should conditions change.”

OHS-OCD encourages residents and businesses to remain vigilant and aware, particularly regarding potential cyber-related threats and misinformation campaigns that can accompany international events.

Cybersecurity Awareness

Periods of geopolitical tension can increase the risk of cyber incidents, including phishing emails, fraudulent websites, social engineering attempts, and misinformation shared on social media platforms.

OHS-OCD advises the community to:

Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders
Verify information through official sources before sharing
Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when available
Ensure software, devices, and security systems are up to date
Report suspected cyber incidents to appropriate authorities following the Department of Homeland Security’s campaign, “If You See Something, Say Something.”

Businesses and critical infrastructure partners are encouraged to review cybersecurity protocols and continuity plans.

Preparedness Remains a Priority

Although there is no current physical threat, preparedness for all hazards and all threats remains a year-round responsibility. OHS-OCD reminds residents to:

Review and update family emergency plans
Maintain emergency supply kits with essential items for at least 5–7 days
Stay informed through official government channels
Sign up for local alerts and notifications

For official updates and preparedness information, visit OHS-OCD at https://ghs.guam.gov/ or visit https://www.ready.gov/. For media inquiries, contact Jenna Blas, Public Information Officer, at (671) 475-9600 or via email at jenna.g.blas@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.