U.S. DHS Updates National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) and the Mariana Regional Fusion Center (MRFC) follow the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) updates to the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS).

Since December of 2015, DHS has added a new form of advisory, the NTAS Bulletin, which provides information to the public. It describes broader, more general trends and current developments regarding threats of terrorism. The NTAS features an advisory system that consists of three types: Bulletin, Elevated Alert and Imminent Alert, with the Bulletin being the lowest form of advisory. For more information on the levels of advisory, visit https://www.dhs.gov/ntas-frequently-asked-questions.

“The current NTAS bulletin extends the duration of the last NTAS bulletin until January 18, 2019. The current bulletin reiterates the very real threat of foreign terrorist organizations and their use of different means to recruit individuals already in the homeland,” stated Homeland Security Advisor, George Charfauros. “This bulletin is not in connection to any specific threat to the United States, at this time. Rather, it provides insight into the general trends regarding threats of terrorism.”

The community is advised to report any suspicious activity, social media posts or messages relating to current events, to local authorities and the MRFC online at https://mlrin.org/, following the joint campaign between Department of Homeland Security and Government of Guam, “If You See Something, Say Something” or call 671-475-0400 / email teammrfc@mlrin.org. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

For more details on the inclusion of the NTAS Bulletin, and to review any alerts or bulletins issued by DHS, visit https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system. Attached is the most recent NTAS bulletin, issued September 14, 2018 (EDT). GHS/OCD will continue to share any bulletins or alerts issued by DHS.

For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer, Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489-2540 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.