JIC Recovery Release No. 27 - DPHSS Cautions Against Standing Water; GPA Update; GSWA Update - GHS OCD

DPHSS Cautions Against Standing Water:

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) encourages the public to inspect the premises around their homes and businesses for standing water where mosquitoes may breed. Heavy rainfall may create conditions suitable for increased mosquito breeding, particularly the Aedes mosquito which breeds in containers. Debris strewn by the storm may be collecting water and breeding this mosquito. Aedes mosquitoes are known transmitters of Dengue Fever and Chikungunya virus, and while these two mosquito-borne diseases are not currently found on Guam, they can be imported and spread by Aedes. Neighboring islands in the Pacific, and Asia, frequently endure outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Take these steps to limit mosquito breeding sites at your home or business:

Clean all debris, especially those that can hold water.
Dispose of loose tires.
Clean pet water dishes regularly.
Clean, empty, and properly screen or cover containers used to store water.
Clear roof gutters of debris.
Properly dispose of all bottles, cans, buckets and other containers that can collect and hold water.
Plug tree holes.
Repair leaky outdoor faucets so as not to create standing water.
Change the water frequently in flower vases and other containers that routinely contain water.

The public is also advised to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing during outdoor activities as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. When practical, wear long-sleeves and pants when going outdoors. Decrease your risk of mosquito bites by properly applying mosquito repellents containing 20% - 30% DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing.

For more information, please contact DPHSS’s Division Environmental Health Mosquito Surveillance and Control Program at (671) 300-9579.

GPA Update:

The Guam Power Authority (GPA) advises the community of the proper use of generators during a power outage. If installed and operated correctly, use of standby or portable electric generators poses little danger, but improper installation or use could be dangerous and even deadly. Follow the directions from the operator’s manual supplied with the generator. Incorrect generator use can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electric shock or electrocution and fire.

GPA provides the following tips for the safe operation of and use of generators:

Connecting the Generator

Never try to power house/building wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as "back feeding". It can lead to electrocution of utility workers or neighbors served by the same utility transformer. The only safe way to connect a generator to a house/building wiring is to have a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch.
Use proper extension cords. Use only safety-tested, shop-type electrical cords designed and rated for heavier, outdoor use to connect appliances.
Protect your appliances. Turn off or unplug all appliances and lights before you begin operating the portable generator. Once the generator is running, turn your appliances and lights on one at a time to avoid overloading the unit.

Placement of Generator:

Never use a portable generator indoors – If you or someone starts to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, move to fresh air right away, do not delay.
Place the generator in a dry, outside location.
Place the generator away from windows, doors, and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.
To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry. Do not use it in rain or wet conditions. Always operate generators on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure. Make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator.

Use and Storage of Generator Fuel:

Turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
Store fuel in an approved safety can outside of living areas, preferably in a locked area or other protected area.
If you spill fuel or do not seal the container properly, invisible vapors can travel along the ground and be ignited by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
Use the type of fuel recommended in the generator instructions or on its label.

Shutting down the Generator:

Before shutting down a generator, turn off and unplug all appliances and equipment being powered by the generator.

Damaged Weatherheads and other Electrical Components

While restoration is ongoing, customers are advised to conduct their own home and property assessment of weatherhead and electrical components, taking necessary steps to repair damages caused by Typhoon Mawar.

Frequently Asked Question: My weatherhead and/or electrical components (meter box, service entrance conduit & cable, riser) are damaged. What should I do? These components are the customer’s responsibility.

Account holder or authorized person visits any of GPA’s Customer Service lobbies and requests for a work clearance. A GPA representative will issue a work clearance and a GPA Electrical Inspection Report form.
GPA crew will schedule removal of the service line and meter. Once removed, customers can hire and schedule contractor/master electrician to make repairs. A list of licensed master electricians is available on the Guam Contractors License Board website at http://clb.guam.gov/index.php/contractors-listing/.
Upon completion of repairs, the master electrician must print name, sign and include ME license number on GPA’s Electrical Inspection Report form. Please contact GPA Customer Service at (671) 647-5787/88/89 or email customersfirst@gpagwa.com, informing representatives of the completed work.
Customers will be contacted once meter installation and service line reconnection is scheduled. Customers must present an Electrical Inspection Report to GPA crew upon arrival.

GPA locations & Hours:

Fadian Customer Service Center & Main Office

Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building 688 Route 15 Fadian, Mangilao, Guam

Monday-Friday 7am-5pm

Closed on Weekends & Holidays

Hagatna Customer Service Lobby

Julale Shopping Center Ste 103, 424 West O’Brien Drive, Hagåtña, Guam

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Closed on Weekends & Holidays

GPWA Upper Tumon Lobby

578 North Marine Corps Drive, Tamuning, Guam

Monday-Friday 7:30am-6pm Saturday 8am-12pm

GSWA Update:

Since resuming collections on Monday, May 29, 2023, the Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) has collected over 771 tons of trash. This significant increase in waste requires additional time and resources to ensure proper disposal.

Residents who are normally serviced on Thursday will be serviced on Friday, June 2, 2023. GSWA requests everyone’s cooperation in leaving their trash curbside if it has not yet been collected, as GSWA continues to address all pending collections as quickly and efficiently as possible, to all residents in single-family homes and apartments with four (4) units or less, including those who are not registered customers of GSWA.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center 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.

JIC Recovery Release No. 27 - DPHSS Cautions Against Standing Water; GPA Update; GSWA Update