Stay Vigilant Guam! More Wet Weather and Dangerous Conditions Ahead

Stay Vigilant Guam! More Wet Weather and Dangerous Conditions Ahead

With the National Weather Service Guam (NWS) updating their public advisory and alerts, we remind residents and visitors to remain vigilant.  With every heavy rain, high seas and wind, GHS/OCD would like you to take the necessary precautionary safety measures.
 
Floods – those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action.
  • Clear drainage areas and un-block clogged storm drains in your area to minimize the change of flooding.
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood water.
  • Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for alerts or warnings.
  • If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground.  Do not leave the car and enter moving water as the current may be carrying debris from your surroundings.
  • Avoid hiking, camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall.  These areas could flood quickly and with little or no warning.
 
High seas/Rough waters
  • Rip currents amount for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by beach life guards and first responders.
  • Powerful, channeled currents of water flowing can quickly pull swimmer out to sea.
  • If caught in one, do not fight it.  Swim parallel to shore and swim back to land at an angle.
  • Shorebreak both small and high waves can be equally unpredictable and dangerous.
 
Driving – in poor visibility due to heavy rainfall
  • Take your time.  Slowing down is the best way to keep your car from hydroplaning.
  • Turn your lights on.  Turning on your headlights helps other vehicles see you.
  • Give other vehicles a little bit more space.  This allows you to a little bit more time to react to traffic.
  • Be cautious of pedestrians and children who may be crossing or waiting alongside road ways for public transportation.  As school is back in session, more children will be occupying our streets either going to or coming from school bus shelters.
 
Plan ahead, stay informed, get involved and take action.  During this wet weather season, GHS/OCD would like you to stay vigilant, and MOST OF ALL, SAFE.  You are the help before help arrives.   
 
Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:  
The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) remind the community to practice caution if traveling in the rainy conditions.
 
For more information, contact GHS/OCD Acting Public Information Officer, Dee Cruz at (671) 478-0291 or via email at dee.cruz@ghs.guam.gov.
 
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