JIC Recovery Release No. 5 - GovGuam Agency Updates; Emergency Shelters Update; Safety Reminders

GovGuam Agency Updates:

Guam Power Authority:

The Guam Power Authority (GPA) continues its restoration and post-typhoon recovery efforts. GPA reports that as of 1:00 p.m.:

• 3.8% of the System Load (Customer Demand) has been restored.

• 41.4% of GPA’s Substation Energization has been restored.

• 15.9% of GPA’s feeders/ circuits have been energized/restored.

GPA notes that feeders and circuits may be energized only if GPA’s substation is energized and that system load will increase once feeders and circuits are energized.

Customers can contact GPA’s 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch at 475-1472/3/4 or via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GuamPowerAuthority.  

Guam Waterworks Authority:

The Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) continues its restoration and post-typhoon recovery efforts. GWA reports that as of 3:00 p.m.:

• Guam northern water system is operating normally with additional wells brought back on line overnight

• Tumon Maui Well serving the Tumon and Tamuning areas is operational

• Currently 50% of operable wells are on-line

• GWA is working to restore connection to Navy-supplied sources at Santa Rita and Nimitz Hill.

• GWA’s southern water system is operating

• Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant back on-line as of this morning

• Northern District, Hagåtña and Inalåhan wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are operating normally 

Residents island-wide who have water service are being asked to conserve water GWA attempts to increase reservoir levels. GWA’s Boil Water Notice remains in effect. 

Some GWA facilities remain on generator power and GWA is working with GPA to monitor power status to maintain operations at GWA’s production and distribution facilities. GWA staff continues to address storm damage at the Umatac-Merizo and Agat-Santa Rita WWTPs. GWA is monitoring all wastewater pump stations closely. Some GWA facilities remain on generator power and GWA is working with GPA to monitor power status at GWA wastewater pump stations and treatment plants.

For information, contact GWA’s 24/7 phone line at (671) 646-4211 or go to www.facebook.com/guamwaterworksauthority.

Port Authority of Guam:

The Port Authority of Guam (PAG) has received clearance from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to begin major recovery efforts dockside. PAG weathered Typhoon Mawar with visible damage to Piers F3, F4, F5 and F6, particularly the Bull Rail. Portions of the Fender System also are damaged or broken off. The storm also caused damage to the Agat and Agana Marinas. 

Guam Department of Education (GDOE): Central operations and school sites are closed for services. Employees have reported in to assess damages and certain schools are still being utilized as emergency shelters. Also, DOE announced that the Guam Education Board (GEB) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 30, 2023, has been canceled until further notice. 

Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR): All parks and recreational areas are closed until further notice. DPR is conducting damage assessments. Residents are encouraged to stay away from all parks and recreational areas until all safety concerns are addressed. Lifeguards are not on duty.

Department of Public Works (DPW): The Department of Public Works (DPW) has cleared major roadways following the aftermath of Mawar. All major routes are cleared and open.

Emergency Shelters Update: 

Residents in need of shelter are encouraged to seek safety at the nearest available shelter. Residents who are displaced because of Typhoon Mawar may still seek safety at the following shelters. Here are the numbers as of 4:00 p.m.:

*AsTumbo Elementary School is still an active emergency shelter but is no longer accepting residents. Effective today, the Upi Elementary School shelter will close and the shelter will be relocated to Wettengel Elementary School shelter. 

Safety Reminders:

Generator Use

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

• Be aware of hazards: Common hazards include shocks and electrocution from incorrect use, carbon monoxide (CO) from a generator’s exhaust, fires from improper refueling or fuel storage, and noise/vibration hazards.

• Keep generators at least 15 feet from any open window, door, or vent while in use. Do not operate a generator in a garage or storage area even with the door open.

• Always follow instructions in the owner’s manual proper “grounding” of the generator.

• Clear flammable and combustible material at least 3 to 4 feet around the generator to avoid a fire.

• Place the generator either in a dry area or under an open canopy structure outside and away from your home; never run generators in the rain or when wet.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator and do not plug multiple power strips together. If you must use an extension cord, it should be 3-pronged, grounded, heavy-duty and labeled for outdoor use.

• Check cords regularly for damage (such as cuts or fraying) that could cause a fire.

• Do not “back feed” power by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Back feeding will put you and others, including utility workers, at serious risk for electrocution and/or electrical fire risk.

• Even if operated for a short time, generators can become hot very quickly. If you must touch the generator, wear protective gloves. To avoid electric shock or electrocution, do not try to fix or otherwise work on a generator while it is on or plugged in.

• Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby. If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning (light-headed, dizzy, tiredness, or nausea) go outside immediately for fresh air and seek medical attention.

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.

Candle Use

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, beddings, 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.

Traffic Safety

All Traffic Control Points (TCP) will be unmanned by 6:00 p.m. due to loss of daylight and poor visibility.  Motorists are asked to proceed with caution when approaching all major traffic intersections. 

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 

Contact the JIC at (671) 478-0208/09/10 for more information.