Guam officially under COR 1

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Rear Adm. Brett Mietus placed Guam and the respective military bases in Condition of Readiness 1 and Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 1 at 12 p.m. today.

At COR1, destructive winds are possible within the next 12 hours.

The governor urged residents to stay home or seek emergency shelter now.

Those who feel their homes are poorly constructed metal roof homes will have substantial damage and could become uninhabitable are advised to sign in at emergency shelters now.

As of noon, the shelters have not reached their capacity.

Joint Task Force Micronesia said it is fully postured to respond at a moment’s notice to provide defense support of Civil Authorities should a request  for

assistance  be made. 

Super Typhoon Bavi continues its approach toward the Marianas, with little change in overall prognosis over the last 24 hours. Its intensity has eased just a bit, now sitting at a powerful Category-4 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph.

It is expected to intensify further in the coming 24 hours, just prior to passage through the Marianas, very likely near, or over Rota.

As currently forecast, Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan will experience some degree of typhoon force winds; with potentially catastrophic, super typhoon force winds (greater than 150 mph) over Rota, if Bavi makes a direct passage over the island on Monday.

As of 7 a.m., Super Typhoon Bavi was located 280 miles east-southeast of Saipan and 300 miles east of Guam near 12.9N 149.2E. It was moving west (heading 280 degrees) at 7 mph.

It is expected to strengthen as it continues toward the Marianas, generally on a west-northwestward track, with a slight increase in forward speed. It is forecast to be moving around 11-14 mph at the time of passage.

As currently forecast, Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan will experience some

 degree of typhoon force winds; with potentially catastrophic, super typhoon force winds (greater than 150 mph) over Rota, if Bavi makes a direct passage over the island on Monday.

Things can still change in the next 24 hours. Any slight deviation to the north or to the south is possible, but that window for huge change in the track is slowly closing.

Based on the current forecast Guam can expect:

●      Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to begin late this afternoon.

●      Maximum sustained winds are forecast to be in the 60 to 80 mph range with gusts to 100 mph possible.

○      Any southward shift could bring heavier winds to Guam.

●      Loose outdoor items will become projectiles, causing additional damage and possible injury.

All preparedness activities should be completed by this afternoon with the expected onset of damaging winds.

●      Remain indoors from COR 1 until COR 4 is announced;

●      Stay out of the water;

Guam Power Authority advised the public that power outages and fluctuations are expected during damaging wind conditions.

GPA said it does not intend to shut down the island-wide power system, which runs automatically. The system shuts down only when damage occurs to any of the power circuits, it said.

"Over the past several days, GPA crews have been addressing power outages and vegetation management around the northern, central, and southern sectors of the island," GPA said/

Once GPA management determines that conditions are no longer safe for repairs or tree trimming, crews will secure and stand down for their safety as the high winds make it unsafe to continue repairs or trim trees around the island.

Repairs of the system will resume once high winds subside to a safe level, GPA will mobilize our teams to proceed with assessments and repairs. This will begin the recovery phase of the island-wide power system around Guam.

The system remains energized as long as the power circuits remain intact. GPA’s goal is to keep part of the system running throughout the storm because it will allow for faster post-storm recovery.

If power circuits go offline, GPA said it will work on energizing it immediately. If power doesn’t return in a few minutes, it is most likely that the circuit is damaged and GPA will have to wait until the storm passes before it can make repairs.

During extreme weather conditions, trouble dispatchers will receive calls for emergency power situations such as down energized (sparking) lines, damaged poles or blown transformers.

Residents are advised to stay away from all down lines and equipment as they may still be energized and can cause harm if you come in contact with the lines or equipment. Consider such situations as dangerous and life threatening. If such conditions are present, please immediately report this situation to GPA's 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch at 671-475-1472/3/4 or via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page. Please provide the exact location or address, contact information and condition of location.

DPHSS Update

The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) provides the following update for the Guam Community Health Center operations:

• The Southern Region Community Health Center (Inalåhan) will be open 24 hours a day to provide urgent care for non-life-threatening medical needs. It will remain open until COR 4 is announced.

• The Northern Region Community Health Center (Dededo) will close beginning at COR 2 and remain closed until COR 4 is announced.

• Patients with scheduled appointments affected by the closure will be contacted to reschedule.

Complete Preparedness Activities

All preparedness activities should be completed with the expected onset of damaging winds late this afternoon. 

• Remain indoors until COR 4 is announced;

• Stay out of the water;

• Seek shelter now if you feel in any way that your home or dwelling will not be a safe location - poorly constructed metal roof homes will have substantial damage and could become uninhabitable.

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GWA Updates

The Guam Waterworks Authority reports that 99 wells are online as of 10 a.m. GWA will not shut the water distribution system off during the storm. The Guam Power Authority (GPA) continues to work closely with GWA to manage and operate standby generators at GWA facilities. GPA will activate all generators at noon today.

Operations at the Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant, Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Agat-Santa Rita WWTP, and Hagåtña WWTP are normal. GWA dispatch has not received any reports of weather-related service disruptions or sewer overflows.

Residents are reminded that outages and instances of low to no pressure may occur as system adjustments may be performed at wells, pump stations, and reservoirs to respond to power loss fluctuations, refueling, or servicing generators.

Water Conservation

In accordance with 28 GAR § 2103(i): Whenever, in the opinion of GWA and in the interest of the public, special conservation measures are advisable in order to forestall water shortage and a consequent emergency, GWA may restrict the use of water by any reasonable method of control.

GWA is seeking voluntary compliance from homes and business establishments across the island. As GWA personnel work to maintain reservoir levels and system pressure, the community is advised to consume water for emergency preparations only and practice strict water conservation during this emergency by refraining from washing vehicles and pressure washing activities

.Following Super Typhoon Bavi’s passage from our region, GWA inspectors may be visiting homes and businesses to seek compliance with special water conservation measures.

Generator safety

If you are using a generator in the event of a power outage, please adhere to the following safety precautions:

• Be aware of common hazards, including electrical shock and electrocution, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fire from improper fueling or storage, and noise and vibration hazards.

• Operate generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from homes, windows, doors, and vents. Never use a generator inside a home, garage, crawl space, or enclosed storage area—even if doors are open.

• Place the generator on a dry, stable surface or under an open, well-ventilated structure to protect it from rain. Never operate a generator while it is wet.

• Keep at least 3 to 4 feet of clearance around the generator, free of flammable or combustible materials.

• Allow the generator to cool completely before refueling. Never add fuel while it is running or still hot.

• Store fuel in approved containers away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator whenever possible. If an extension cord is needed, use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated, three-pronged grounded cord and inspect it regularly for cuts, fraying, or other damage.

• Never overload the generator or connect multiple power strips together.

• Never backfeed electricity by plugging a generator into a household wall outlet. This creates a serious electrocution and fire hazard and endangers utility workers.

• Follow all manufacturer instructions, including proper grounding procedures outlined in the owner's manual.

• Because generators become extremely hot during operation, wear protective gloves if handling the unit after use. Never attempt repairs while the generator is running or connected to power.

• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home if available.

• Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher readily accessible whenever operating a generator.

• If anyone experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning—such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, or confusion—move everyone to fresh air immediately, call 911, and seek medical attention.

• When finished using the generator, disconnect electrical loads, turn it off, and allow it to cool completely before refueling, moving, or storing it.

  
  

Fuel storage

• Only use fuel recommended in the owner’s manual.

• Keep fuel in an ANSI-approved container away from the generator.

• Store outdoors in a cool, well-ventilated space – never indoors.Do not fuel the generator while it is running.

  
  

Use of candles

The Guam Fire Department recommends the use of flashlights instead of candles during power outages;

However, if you must use candles, the following safety measures must be taken:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles completely before you leave the room or go to sleep.

• Do not burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep candles away from decorations, curtains, bedding, paper, walls, furniture, and other combustible materials.

• Always keep candles, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children and never leave children unattended in a room where candles are lit. Place candles out of the reach of children and pets and away from areas where they can be knocked over.

• Keep burning candles away from flammable liquids.

• Never touch or move a burning candle when the wax is liquefied.

6/Circle K Closing Stations

. Stations are preparing to close for the safety of employees and customers as weather conditions are expected to worsen.

Station closure schedule:

• Cabras – Closed

• Malojloj & Piti – 3:00 p.m.

• All Other Locations – 5:00 p.m.

Stations will remain closed until conditions improve and safety assessments can be completed. Stations will reopen and fuel deliveries will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Customers are encouraged to stay informed by following 76 Circle K on Facebook and Instagram for updates on reopening.