JIC Release No. 2 - Guam to Move to COR 2 at 5 p.m., Shelters to Open at 6 p.m. - GHS OCD

The National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office Guam continues to monitor Tropical Depression 29W.

Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 3 at this time, but Governor Lou Leon Guerrero is placing Guam in COR 2 at 5 p.m. today. Rear Adm. John Menoni, commander, Joint Region Marianas, anticipates keeping the respective military bases in Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) 4 as changes in TCCOR are based on the onset of destructive winds of 54 mph or more as opposed to damaging winds of 39 mph or more.

The Government of Guam is operational until 5 p.m. this afternoon, once COR 2 is announced. All military bases continue normal operations at this time.

“As advised by Governor Leon Guerrero, the safety of the community is paramount,” said Tim Aguon, Homeland Security Advisor. “The decision to change CORs and have schools closed tomorrow will ensure children remain indoors and emergency shelters are made available.”

The Department of Education schools will remain closed tomorrow. Parents of GDOE students attending after-school sports activities, ASPIRE, or other activities, are asked to begin picking up children as soon as possible. The Guam Education Board meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. has also been canceled. In communication with the Archdiocese of Agana, all Catholic schools will also remain closed tomorrow.

All DoDEA classes will be canceled tomorrow, Nov. 27 due to the storm. Classes will resume Dec. 2. All DoDEA employees are to report for work or duty within two hours of normal reporting time. The Joint Information Center will release any information regarding non-aligned schools as they come in.

Emergency Shelter:

Residents who need emergency shelter are urged to arrive at the shelter closest to their home as early as 6 p.m., before the onset of damaging winds, which is expected around 9 p.m. this evening. Emergency shelters will NOT be opened until 6 p.m. Do not attempt to go to any emergency shelter until then. The following emergency shelters will be made available:

North

Machananao Elementary School

Central

Carbullido Elementary School

South

Harry S. Truman Elementary School

More information regarding shelter rules and transportation will be provided shortly.

What to Expect:

On its current track, Tropical Depression 29W is expected to pass south of Guam. The closest point of approach to Guam is forecast around 4 a.m. Wednesday morning about 200 miles away from Guam. Rainfall amounts of 4 to 5 inches is possible through Wednesday.

At this time, destructive winds of 58 mph or more and typhoon force winds of 75 mph or more are not expected for Guam. The onset of damaging winds of 39 mph or more are expected this evening and to last through Wednesday morning. The maximum sustained wind predicted for Guam is 50 mph with higher gusts over southern Marianas.

Make Preparations Now:

Stay up to date with the latest information. There may be changes to the storm track or intensity or changes in Conditions of Readiness.
Locate or prepare your emergency preparedness kits for your household; stock up on non-perishable food items and water for your household, flashlights, first-aid kits, batteries, matches or lighters, portable stove, toiletries, etc.

Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag.
Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds, such as canopies, tarps or trampolines.
Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators now while the weather is clear.
Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action; clear drainage areas and unblock clogged storm drains in your area to minimize the chance of flooding.

Avoid camping, parking, or hiking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
Avoid hazardous seas. Rip currents are life threatening.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory 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/

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.

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. 2 - Guam to Move to COR 2 at 5 p.m., Shelters to Open at 6 p.m.