EOC and JIC Activated; Disrupted or Impassable Roadways

As of 3 p.m., by the direction of Governor Calvo, the Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) stood up the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Joint Information Center (JIC) in support of the heavy rainfall and flooding across the island. The Guam National Guard has also been activated to assist.

Heavy rains will persist through the night into tomorrow morning. Although it may look like it is clearing at times, the community are reminded the rainy weather will continue and to stay vigilant.

A flash flood warning remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Heavy rain will continue over the islands, with expected rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with locally heavier amounts. Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action and move to higher ground if necessary.  Keep the following flood safety tips in mind:

o    Turn around, don’t drown. Seek alternate routes if you encounter a flooded roadway.
o    Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
o    Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
o    If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
o    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.
o   Avoid camping, parking, or hiking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall.  These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

Visit https://www.ready.gov/floods to learn more.

The Department of Public Works has been working with village Mayors as early as last week to clear drainage areas prone to flooding but the continued rain is inundating the roadways.

Reported Distrupted Roadways

GHS/OCD EOC received the following reports of disrupted roadways. Proceed with extreme caution or seek alternate routes when possible, until a complete assessment is done:

East Gayinero Street, Yigo – Reported flooding but passable
Barcines area, Merizo – Reported flooding but passable
Rt. 1, by Polaris Point – Reported flooding but passable
Umatac Bridge – Reported heavy surge of water, the bridge is passable but proceed with caution
Rt. 1, Tumon area – Reported flooding but passable
Pulantat, Yona – Reported flooding but passable
San Antonio Avenue, Dededo – Reported flooding

Although areas were listed as passable, it is important to remember the flash flood warning and that a surge of water can happen in an instant. If possible, stay off flooded roadways as emergency responders and crews continue to make assessments and clear debris. If travel is necessary, practice caution especially nearing intersections, allowing enough braking distance between cars.
For more information or to report any manholes uncovered or flooded, impassable roadways, contact the Joint Information Cnter 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.