Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, commander, Joint Region Marianas, placed Guam and the military bases, respectively, declared Guam in Condition of Readiness (COR) 3 at 7 p.m. tonight.
COR 3 means damaging winds of 39-57 mph are expected within 48 hours.
The tropical storm Mngkhut will continue its westward track and is expected to intensify, possibly becoming a Category 4 typhoon by the time it reaches Guam, with Tuesday 11 a.m. being its anticipated closest point of approach (CPA). It is important to still prepare for the worst-case-scenario of a Category 5 typhoon.
There will be no classes on Monday as plans are in place to open Guam Department of Education schools as emergency shelters on Monday morning. Only essential personnel as part of emergency operations will be required to report for duty. Calvo urges those in the community whose homes cannot withstand typhoon-strength winds, to make arrangements to stay with a friend or family member or in one of the emergency shelters. Substandard housing absolutely will not be able to withstand the expected typhoon force winds. The following shelters are expected to open on Monday morning, Sept. 10.
Northern Shelters:
Astumbo Elementary School
Maria Ulloa Elementary School
Machananao Elementary School
Upi Elementary School
F.B. Leon Guerrero Elementary School
Central Shelters:
Carbullido Elementary School
George Washington High School
Southern Shelters:
M.U. Lujan Elementary School
Merizo Elementary School
Inarajan Middle School
Talofofo Elementary School
Harry S. Truman Elementary School
Meanwhile, Guam Animals In Need reminds everyone that Typhoon Mangkhut will be extremely dangerous for animals, both owned and unowned.
Guam law requires that pets have proper shelter. This means that during a typhoon, owned dogs and cats need to be safely secured indoors. “Don’t leave your cat outside or dog tied to a tree during a typhoon,” said Ana Babauta, GAIN Board member, “their safety depends on you.”
GAIN also recommends preparing a Pet Typhoon Kit with the following:
Pet food for a few weeks.
Comforting items like blankets and toys, for when the storm becomes frightening.
Your pet's medication and medical records, if applicable.
Ensure collars and tags are securely fastened. Have a leash or carrier on hand, if you need to evacuate.
Recent photo of yourself with your pet (in case they get lost and you have to prove ownership).
“Please bring your pets indoors during the storm,” said Cyrus Luhr, GAIN board president. “It’s not just the law, it’s also to right thing to do,” he added.