Guam in COR 1; Remain Indoors; Shelter Update; Healthcare Information

From the Joint Information Center – Oct. 10 at 9:15 a.m.

Guam remains in Condition of Readiness (COR) 1 at this time. The community is advised to remain indoors until COR 4 is announced. 

Bolaven Update

As of 7 a.m., Tropical Storm Bolaven was located near 13.4 degrees north latitude and 147.0 degrees east longitude, about 150 miles east of Guam, moving northwest at 16 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Bolaven is forecast to intensify through Wednesday afternoon, possibly becoming a typhoon later today.

On its current track, Bolaven is anticipated to pass between Rota and Tinian. 

What to Expect

Guam can expect a heavy rain event. Heavy winds and rains are anticipated to begin by 10 a.m. today. The closest point of approach is expected between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. today but this may change. 

The worst conditions are expected between noon, with tropical storm force winds (39 mph or more) through this evening but even after that, torrential rainfall is expected. Rainfall amounts of about 1 foot to 1.5 feet of rain between sunrise this morning and tomorrow morning are expected. 

Stay Out of the Water

Residents and visitors of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are cautioned against engaging in any kind of water-related activities during the approach and passing of Tropical Storm Bolaven. The public is advised to stay clear of the ocean as hazardous sea conditions are being created by Tropical Storm Bolaven. 

In addition to entering the water during heavy surf and rough seas, residents and visitors are also advised against venturing along trails close to the water or shoreline, as high surf can knock a person down and sweep them off beaches and rocks. These waves can be deadly, even for the most experienced swimmers.

Residents should also be informed that before and during the storm, rescue personnel may not be able to respond due to deteriorating weather conditions. Resources such as boats, jet skis, and aircraft normally involved in search and rescue operations have been secured due to conditions being too dangerous. 

Please continue to monitor weather conditions as Tropical Storm Bolaven makes its approach to Guam and the CNMI.  

Emergency Shelters Available

If you need to evacuate to an emergency shelter, before you leave home, shut off your incoming electricity at the main breaker or switch, usually located by the electric meter or in the circuit breaker panel. 

If you are dependent on an electrically-powered life support system, consider having a backup generator. Otherwise, make plans ahead of time to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available. 

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) opened six (6) emergency shelters at 6 p.m. this evening. GDOE is able to accommodate O2 dependent residents who need a power source at certain emergency shelters. See below for more information:

Emergency ShelterCurrent NumbersMax Capacity% Capacity
AsTumbo Elementary School8918249%
Machanaonao Elementary School19920896%
Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School*9228532%
Upi Elementary School 23361%
George Washington High School*3110031%
Talo’fo’fo Elementary School*243118%
Total437142231%

*Emergency shelter able to accommodate O2 dependent residents

WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE TO THE SHELTER?

  1. 7-day supply of food and water for all members of your family 
  2. Bedding 
  3. Personal hygiene products 
  4. Medication 
  5. 7-day of supply for infants and toddlers, including diapers and formula 
  6. Valid Photo ID 
  7. Important documents including birth certificates, passports and medical immunization cards 

SHELTER RULES 

  1. Be respectful to fellow residents and staff. No foul language, abusive behavior, stealing or destruction of property will be accepted or tolerated.
  2. Busing to/from shelters is available at the Mayors’ Offices.
  3. Bring a 7-day supply of food, water & prescriptions; infants & toddlers should have a 7- day supply of disposable diapers, baby formula & baby food.
  4. Bring bedding, toiletries, toilet tissue, and personal hygiene products.
  5. Must complete registration. Bring a form of valid I.D.
  6. Must report Tuberculosis or flu-like symptoms.
  7. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and weapons are not allowed in the shelter or on the shelter grounds. Persons caught in possession will be asked to leave the shelter and in some cases turned over to law enforcement personnel. Persons determined to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be admitted, or readmitted to the shelter. 
  8. Public Law 21-139 dictates that there is no smoking on school premises. Smoking is not allowed in the shelter. Smoking is permitted outside the campus in designated smoking areas only. Please dispose of cigarette butts properly. 
  9. Quiet hours will be announced and enforced in the sleeping areas. However, sleeping areas should be kept quiet at all times. 
  10. If you bring vital documents (i.e. Birth records, passports, etc.), secure them or keep them on you at all times. The Shelter is not responsible for these items if stolen. 
  11. Parents must maintain responsibility and supervision for their children. Children must never be left unattended. 
  12. No cooking or gas stoves.
  13. For your safety DO NOT LEAVE THE SHELTER before COR 4 has been declared.
  14. Only service animals are allowed at this time.
  15. Pets cannot be sheltered at this time. For those seeking shelter for their pets, make plans for them now to stay with a loved one, friend or family member as pets will not be allowed in the emergency shelters. 

GMH Update

Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) are accepting pregnant mothers who are thirty-six (36) weeks or more and all high-risk pregnant mothers who are twenty-four (24) weeks or more into their pregnancy as of 6 p.m. this evening. Pregnant mothers who arrive later will still be accepted. Expectant mothers are asked to please check with their healthcare provider for guidance if they are unsure if they have a high-risk pregnancy.

Upon arrival, pregnant mothers should check in at the Patient Registration Dept. on the 1st floor. Expectant mothers will remain at the hospital for the duration of the storm until it is determined to be safe for them to return to their homes at COR 4.

All pregnant mothers are asked to have a complete meal before they check into the hospital this evening. Pregnant mothers are asked to please bring their own clean pillows, blankets, and linens.

All pregnant mothers who need to come to GMH are asked to bring the following for their comfort and convenience:

  1. ID and insurance cards
  2. Meals will be provided but mothers are encouraged to bring additional drinking water and snacks that do not require refrigeration or heating
  3. Any necessary medications
  4. Mothers asked to bring in their own clean pillows, blankets, and linens so they are comfortable
  5. Personal toiletries (soap, toothbrush, lotions, etc.)
  6. Change of clothing
  7. Entertainment (i.e. games, cards, movies, headphones, books, etc.) to help pass the time

For hospital safety, the following RESTRICTIONS will be in place for all pregnant mothers:

  • No escorts, support persons, children, or pets (with the exception of service animals) will be allowed to accompany pregnant mothers
  • No smoking/vaping, alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons will be permitted

For the community’s safety, visiting hours and family viewings will be suspended upon announcement of COR 1 with the exception of approved watchers. All Elective Outpatient Surgeries for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, October 9-11, 2023 will be rescheduled. GMHA will announce resuming regular services after the declaration of COR 4.

GRMC Update

The Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) will suspend visiting hours as of 12:00pm today. All GRMC clinics will be open until 12 p.m. today and will reopen once the island is placed on COR 4. All appointments will be rescheduled accordingly. All admitted patients are permitted to have one (1) watcher. Watchers must be checked in with Customer Relations in the Main lobby no later than Tuesday, October 10, at 12 p.m. Switching out will not be permitted after this time. Please note; watchers are encouraged to bring food for personal consumption (that does not require refrigeration) for the duration of the storm. Watchers advised not to bring personal linens and pillows as these will be provided. All emergencies will be properly assessed, triaged, and treated accordingly.

Fresenius Dialysis Centers

The Fresenius Dialysis Centers will be open until 12 p.m. today, October 10. Fresenius facilities have contacted patients regarding their dialysis treatments. The clinics are tentatively scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, October 11. 

Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic

The Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic is closed today, October 10, 2023. 

The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) Suicide & Crisis Lifeline remains operational 24/7. The community may call or text the hotline at 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

Visit GIAA Website for Live Flight Data:

The Guam International Airport Authority (GIAA) reminds the community that the airport is open 24/7 and will service any and all airline flights. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates. Visit https://www.guamairport.com/ to view live flight data. 

Visit the following links for the latest information:

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.


Click here to view NWS Forecast Track OCT10 7AM