Answers to your questions

JIC Release No. 3
Storm update, July 30, 2014 (12:20 a.m.)
The workers in the Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information Center are Guamanians who also must prepare their homes and families during times like these. We understand the anxiety of waiting for a storm. We bring you answers to questions you may have.
Before going through this Q&A, we want you to be assured that Governor Calvo, Admiral Payne, and all the people needed to keep us safe and prepared are working around the clock. We have full confidence in your readiness. Guamanians who’ve gone through this before are pros at this. We’re sure you’ve taken the steps we’ve advised you take. Whatever you do, there’s no need to do anything with haste. Calm, cool, and collected works.
Also, click here to watch a one-minute message from Chief of Staff Franklin P. Arriola regarding the storm, what we’re doing, and what you should do.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br3rrPU3xJk&list=UU3hruNAobypwR04-I7KQRQw

Is there a typhoon coming?

It’s still too early to tell whether Tropical Storm Halong will move further from us or come closer. It could speed up or slow down. It could get stronger or weaker. There’s still about 23 hours before the storm is expected to come closest to our island (something subject to change as well). The important thing to do is stay tuned to the news and radio for any changes.

Is it safe to go outside the house?

Not really. While we don’t have typhoon-strength winds, we are recording increasing wind speeds that are not safe, especially for children to be outside. Winds in southern Guam are clocking in at 25 miles per hour. It’s stronger in central Guam: 33 miles per hour. And in northern Guam, where the storm is expected to be strongest: 38 miles per hour. It’s also raining in many places. All this wind and rain makes the roads slippery and more hazardous. It is weakening tree branches that can end up falling. Winds at these speeds can pick up loose items in yours or a neighbor’s yard and throw them around.

Can I go fishing, swimming, boating, surfing, or jet skiing?

No. Do not go in the water, even if it looks calm. Sometimes the strong currents are under the surface.

What do I do if the power goes out?

Call 475-1560 to report power outages to Guam Power Authority so they can fix the outage. Crews are responding to outages. Call our office, too, at 478-0208, so we can help get information out on the Governor’s Facebook page, Eddie Baza Calvo. And, if your power is fluctuating (brown out), unplug your appliances to avoid damage, then call it in.

What if my house isn’t strong enough for heavy winds and rains? Or if my house floods a lot when it rains heavy?

You should seek shelter with a family member or friend who has a stronger home. If that’s not possible, or you prefer not to ask someone for this, you should seek shelter starting at 5 a.m. today (Wednesday) at one of the shelters we are opening. You can drive to the shelters directly. Or, you can go to your village mayor’s office and the mayor’s office will bus you and others to the shelters. The following shelters will open no earlier than 5 a.m. today (Wednesday):
North: Machananao Elementary, Astumbo Elementary, and Maria Ulloa Elementary Schools
Center: George Washington High School
South: Talofofo Elementary and Harry S. Truman Elementary Schools
NOTE: Do not bring guns, knives, other weapons, candles or other flame devices, illegal drugs, or alcohol to the shelters. These items are absolutely forbidden. Pets also are not allowed, except for service-animals for the blind. Police officers will either be posted or will be constantly monitoring the shelters to keep families safe and enforce shelter rules for everyone’s safety.

Should I go to GMH if I’m pregnant?

For civilians:
Not right now, unless you have an emergency. Otherwise, GMH will start accepting women 38 weeks pregnant or more and high-risk pregnancy mothers who are at least six months pregnant, at 7 a.m. today (Wednesday). Expectant moms must check in at the Patient Registration Department on the first floor for registration. There will be meals, reclining chairs, and pillows and blankets for mothers. They also must bring:
– ID and insurance cards
– Drinking water and snacks
– Medication
– Personal toiletries
– Reading materials or electronics
Wet wipes
For military and dependents:
Upon setting of COR 2 U.S. Naval Hospital Guam duty OB/GYN will contact
women who are 36 to 38 weeks or who are at risk of delivery. Those located
nearer to 36th Medical Group will be contacted by the duty OB/GYN of the
36th Medical Group Medical Control Center. Those pregnant women not within
the AAFB area of responsibility (AOR) who are at or past 38 weeks gestation
or have a history of pregnancy-related complications that would be put at
risk for labor during COR 1, will be called to report to USNH Guam for
berthing upon setting of COR 1. Coordination of transfer for those located
in the AAFB AOR will be handled by Commander, 36th Medical Group. Those who
refuse hospital berthing will be advised that medical care or transfer to
USNH Guam cannot be guaranteed after setting of COR 1.

What if I have an emergency?

If your life is in danger, or you see someone else’s life in danger, call 911 immediately. IMPORTANT: If you do not have landline phone service, or if you have landline service that relies on electricity, keep your cell phone fully charged. This is the only way you’ll be able to call 911 in an emergency when the power is out. If you see something blocking the road, call the JIC at 478-0208 so officials can remove debris. This is important because emergency vehicles need to be able to access the road.
Please call the Joint Information Center at 478-0208 for more information.
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Be prepared 2
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