Guam Homeland Security - Office of Civil Defense

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.

GHS/OCD to Conduct AHAWS Siren Test to Assess Operations

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) will conduct a test of the All Hazards Alert Warning System (AHAWS) sirens on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, starting at 3:15 p.m.Residents, visitors and motorists surrounding the AHAWS sirens can expect to hear pre-scripted voice messaging announcing the start and end of the test, and sixty-seconds of the “Alert” siren tone.

Read more about GHS/OCD to Conduct AHAWS Siren Test to Assess Operations

High Risk of Rip Currents and Small Craft Advisory Remains in Effect

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office maintains a high risk of rip currents, in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through Wednesday afternoon for east facing reefs. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from the shore into deeper water. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous conditions. If caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current.

Read more about High Risk of Rip Currents and Small Craft Advisory Remains in Effect

Thunderstorm Advisory in Effect; Practice Caution

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a thunderstorm advisory, in effect for the Guam International Airport Authority until 7:45 p.m. this evening. Thunderstorms are possible or occurring within 20 nautical miles of the airport. Gusts up to 30 knots are possible.

Be alert and take precautions as required. These storms have been producing occasional lightning. If outdoors, seek shelter if lightning is seen or thunder is heard.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

Read more about Thunderstorm Advisory in Effect; Practice Caution

No Tsunami Threat from Distant Earthquake

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1, that was later downgraded to 6.9, that occurred in the Maug Islands region, Northern Mariana Islands with a depth of 12.4 km, at 7:05 p.m. (ChST)

As advised by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, there is no tsunami threat to Guam, Rotam Tinian, or Saipan from this earthquake.

This will be the final statement issued by GHS/OCD unless additional information is received.

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Press Release - Thunderstorm Advisory in Effect; Practice Caution

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a thunderstorm advisory, in effect for the Guam International Airport Authority until 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Thunderstorms are possible or occurring within 20 nautical miles of the airport.

Be alert and take precautions as required. If outdoors, seek shelter if lightning is seen or thunder is heard.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

Read more about Press Release - Thunderstorm Advisory in Effect; Practice Caution

Press Release - No Tsunami Threat to Marianas from Philippines Earthquake

Read more about Press Release - No Tsunami Threat to Marianas from Philippines Earthquake

Outdated Article Circulating; Check for Dates on Articles Before Sharing Further

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) is aware of an outdated news article circulating on chat groups and social media. The article, originally from 2015, states there is a “tropical storm warning issued for Guam,” which is inaccurate at this time.

The circulating article and image is outdated and is not a reflection of the current conditions. The community is reminded to check for dates on images or articles circulating and verify information before sharing further.

Read more about Outdated Article Circulating; Check for Dates on Articles Before Sharing Further

Tropical Disturbance to Pass Near Guam this Weekend

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor a tropical disturbance, Invest 98W, centered near 7 degrees north latitude and 152 degrees east longitude. Latest model guidance continues to show this circulation developing slowly over the next few days as it approaches the Marianas. It is expected to move through the south of Guam, though this is subject to change as the circulation develops.

What to Expect

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Tropical Disturbance Near Chuuk to Bring Locally Heavy Showers and Gusty Winds to Guam this Weekend

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a special weather statement for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. NWS is monitoring a tropical disturbance, Invest 98W, centered just east of Chuuk. This is an evolving system.

Read more about Tropical Disturbance Near Chuuk to Bring Locally Heavy Showers and Gusty Winds to Guam this Weekend

High Risk of Rip Currents and Small Craft Advisory Remains in Effect through Today

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office maintains a high risk risk of rip currents, in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan through late tonight for east facing reefs. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from the shore into deeper water. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous conditions. If caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current.

Read more about High Risk of Rip Currents and Small Craft Advisory Remains in Effect through Today

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Wildfire

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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Definition of Terrorism

June 2018 is Typhoon Preparedness Month

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