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Disaster Planning

Guam is vulnerable to typhoons year-round, and residents must take necessary precautions to ensure they are always prepared for a storm. A disaster preparedness course is offered at Fleet and Family Support Center on Naval Base Guam. Service members and the families can contact the FFSC (671) 333-2056/7) to get more information or register for the course.  

Joint Region Marianas (JRM) advises residents based on the following typhoon phrases and preps: Based on information received from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), JRM will set conditions based on the time destructive winds (50 knots) or greater are expected to reach Guam: 

COR 4 - CONDITION OF READINESS 4

Guam is in COR 4 year round due to our location in typhoon alley, until a higher condition is set. It means any destructive winds could be upon us within 72 hours. 

When in COR4: 

  • Maintain areas around the house clear of debris and loose material. 
  • Dead branches should be pruned/removed from trees. 
  • Most NBG homes are built for major typhoon winds with typhoon shutters. 
  • Maintain them in good repair. TEST THEM. 
  • Determine location of official shelters (will be announced). 
  • Stock and maintain your typhoon supply locker. 
  • Consider plastic trash cans with wheels for later personal items transport if evacuation is necessary. 
  • Have a personal list of ER and family telephone numbers to call. o   Copy important documents with originals in a safe place. o   Have a personal list of hotels and costs, accept pets? 

COR 3 - CONDITION OF READINESS 3

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN 48 HOURS. 

When in COR3: 

  • Clean/bleach and fill bathtubs, plastic trash cans (with wheels) with water
  • Set refrigerator to coldest settings. 
  • Freeze water in jugs. 
  • Fill vehicle fuel tanks. 
  • Check your generator, test run it, have adequate fuel safely stored(see below) 
  • Get cash, ATMs may not work after the storm. 
  • Secure yard equipment, move plants inside. 
  • Protect electronics (bag, prepare to move to an interior room /off floor). 
  • Have a supply of rags and old towels. 
  • Double check your Typhoon Supply Locker. 

COR 2 - CONDITION OF READINESS 2

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS ARE ANTICIPATED WITHIN 24 HOURS. 

When in COR2: 

  • NBG homes are built for major typhoon winds with typhoon shutters. Prepare to shelter in place. 
  • Close typhoon shutters. 
  • Fill containers and your bathtub with clean water and keep them covered. 
  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest setting and pack your freezer tightly with newspaper (This will keep your food colder longer). 
  • Secure cars: 1) Set your emergency brake 2) Close all windows and doors tightly. 
  • Move carpet and furniture away from windows. 
  • Consider evacuation to an official shelter if your home is not storm proof. 
  • Complete your last errands then stay off the road. 
  • Stay tuned to local broadcasts and in touch with your command. 

COR 1 - CONDITION OF READINESS 1

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS ARE ANTICIPATED WITHIN 12 HOURS (OR ALREADY OCCURING). ONLY EMERGENCY VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED ON THE ROAD 

When in COR1: 

  • Stay indoors – ABSOLUTELY STAY INDOORS. 
  • At the eye of the storm you will be curious to go outside and view the situation. Do not go outside. The eye lasts only a short time and the winds start up again suddenly from the opposite direction. 
  • Place towels/rags around leaky doors and windows 
  • Conserve water 
  • THE STORM IS PAST – WAIT FOR AN ALL CLEAR 
  • Wait for the ALL CLEAR on Giant Voice. Resist your curiosity getting the best of you and going outside before the All Clear is announced. 

AFTER ALL THE CLEAR IS GIVEN: 

  • Look out for and do not touch dangling or downed power lines! 
  • Report them and broken water or sewage lines, and downed telephone lines on-base at xxx?? and off-base 911. 
  • Do not consume any food which might have spoiled 
  • Use stored water; sterilize all tap water. It could be contaminated!! 
  • Consider all water contaminated until it is declared safe by Navy Public Works (On base) Public Utility Agency of Guam (PUAG) 

IMPORTANT GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS 

  • Place generator in a well ventilated location and away from combustible materials. 
  • NEVER FUEL generator when it is running. 
  • READ and REFER to Owner’s Manual for hook up procedures. 
  • If using extension cords, consider running the cord along the walls avoiding heavy traffic areas. 
  • Inspect cords for fraying, cracks or cuts. 
  • NEVER lay power cord on wet or damp areas. 

For a PDF of JRM’s Typhoon Preparedness, please click here.

For more information, and CNIC’s recommended Post Typhoon Survival Kit, click here