Bolaven Upgraded to Typhoon; DPHSS, Shelters Updates

From the Joint Information Center – Oct. 10 at 1:45 p.m.

Bolaven Upgraded to a Typhoon; DPHSS Update; Shelters Update

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 1 p.m., Bolaven has been upgraded to a typhoon. Typhoon Bolaven was located near 14.0 degrees north latitude and 146.0 degrees east longitude, about 90 miles east-northeast of Guam, moving northwest at 15 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. 

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

What to Expect
A flash flood warning is now in effect islandwide for Guam until 4:15 p.m. Between 1 and 1.8 inches of rain have already fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 3.6 inches are possible. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. 

  • Be aware of your surroundings and remain off the roadways;
  • Be alert for low visibilities in heavy rain;
  • Slow down where water is ponding on the road;
  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.

Guam can expect a heavy rain event. 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.  

DPHSS Update
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) is providing the following tips to help preserve insulin and other medication:

  • Insulin, when opened, can last 14-28 days in room temperature.
  • Insulin Mixtures such as Novolog Mix 70/30 can last up to 28 days in room temperature in a Vial and 14 days if in a FlexPen. 
  • Long-Acting Insulin such as Lantus can last up to 28 days if in a Vial, Cartridge or SoloStar Pen.
  • Insulin products such as vials or cartridges supplied by manufacturers (opened or unopened) may be left unrefrigerated at temperatures between 59°F and 86°F for up to 28 days and continue to work. However, an insulin product that has been altered for the purpose of dilution or to transfer it to the manufacturer’s original vial should be discarded within two (2) weeks.
  • Insulin loses some effectiveness when exposed to extreme temperatures. Keep insulin away from direct heat and out of direct sunlight.
  • Under emergency conditions, individuals can use insulin that has been stored above 86°F until access to properly stored insulin becomes available again.

When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions listed on the packaging. For more information, individuals can visit the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website at fda.gov. 

Emergency Shelters Update
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 School9418249%
Machanaonao Elementary School19920896%
Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School*9728532%
Upi Elementary School 23361%
George Washington High School*3310031%
Talo’fo’fo Elementary School*323118%
Total457142232%

*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. 

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.

> Forecast Track OCT10 1PM