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Tropical Storm Bolaven

Joint Information Center – JIC Release No. 3

October 8, 2023, 8 p.m. (ChST) JR1008#03

Guam in COR 2; Governor Signs Executive Order No. 2023-11

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has placed Guam in Condition of Readiness (COR) 2 at 8 p.m. this evening, October 8, 2023. Residents are strongly advised to use this time to prepare.

Concurrently, Joint Region Marianas (JRM), Naval Base Guam (NBG), Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB), and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (MCBCB) are in Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) 2 as of 8 p.m. this evening. The Department of Defense (DoD) will delay implementing some of the TCCOR2 actions to minimize impact to installation services. All essential and customer services that would normally be open on Columbus Day will remain open on Monday, October 9. For installation-specific operations or questions, please consult the respective installation Facebook page or reach out to the Public Affairs Officer.

Governor Signs Executive Order No. 2023-11

Today, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order No. 2023-11 relative to declaring a state of emergency in anticipation of the approach of Tropical Storm Bolaven. 

Shelter Information will be Provided Tomorrow

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is preparing to open certain emergency shelters at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 9. More information is forthcoming regarding locations, rules and regulations. Emergency shelters will NOT be open until 6 p.m., Monday, October 9. Do not attempt to go to any emergency shelter until the designated opening time. 

Government of Guam Closed; Exceptions to Certain Operations

At COR2, the Government of Guam and the Guam Department of Education schools, with the exception of essential services, will not be operational and will remain closed until COR 4 is announced. 

The Guam Solid Waste Authority will operate normally Monday, October 9. Any changes to their operations will be announced by tomorrow. 

The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) Pharmacy will be open Monday, October 9, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

The Guam Memorial Hospital anticipates receiving pregnant mothers who are thirty-six (36) weeks or more along and all high-risk pregnant mothers who are twenty-four (24) weeks or more in their pregnancy by 6 p.m., Monday, October 9. More information regarding what the requirements are and what is allowable to bring will be provided tomorrow.

The Guam Community College campus is closed to the public and all scheduled classes, bootcamps, and testing have been canceled. The campus will resume operations once the island returns to COR 4 and the campus has been cleared to open.

The Guam Legislature will be closed for public services as of the declaration by the Governor of COR 2, except for essential services, until COR 4 is restored. Legislative Emergency Session, hearings and all other legislative events scheduled for Monday, October 9, 2023, and all dates thereafter until the island is returned to COR 4, are postponed until further notice. 

GFD Issues Waiver for Fire Permit Requirement

The Guam Fire Department has waived the Fire Permit Requirement for gasoline and diesel up to 20 gallons individual portable containers, effective October 8, 2023 until October 22, 2023. The waiver shall not be construed as an approval of violating any Federal or Local Highway fuel transportation requirements. The waiver does not include non-portable containers. Portable containers shall not be filled while located inside the trunk or passenger compartment of a vehicle. Containers must be of an approved material and construction designed for the type of fuel. It must have a tight closure with a screwed or spring-loaded cover so designed that the contents can be dispensed without spilling. The maximum aggregate amount for portable containers shall be 20 gallons. Portable containers shall be properly secured to the vehicle while in transit.

Fuel service stations shall be responsible for:

  • Ensuring that the fuel containers are UL and/or FM approved.

  • Documentation of individuals employing the waiver shall include name, vehicle license plate number, quantity, and destination.

  • Fuel service stations shall provide the user of the waiver with a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the respective fuel purchased.

  • Customers shall be 18 years of age or older.

Bolaven Update

As of 7 p.m., Tropical Storm Bolaven was located near 9.7 degrees north latitude and 152.2 degrees east longitude, about 565 miles east-southeast of Guam, moving west at 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. It is expected to maintain this general course with a slight increase in forward speed through Monday afternoon. Bolaven is forecast to intensify through Monday, possibly becoming a typhoon by Monday night. Current forecast tracks have Bolaven passing through the Marianas late Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Bolaven should not be underestimated. All islands will feel the passage of Bolaven, but any one, or two, islands could face a direct hit (maximum intensity). A typhoon watch remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. A typhoon watch means that there is a high possibility for damaging (39 mph) and/or destructive (58 mph) winds and heavy rains. This is expected as early as Tuesday morning. 

Prepare Now

For interests at ports, docks and marinas, it is recommended that you perform the prescribed preparations according to your emergency operations plan for tropical cyclones. If you live on a boat, begin to safely secure your craft and make plans to leave it for adequate land based shelter. Listen for possible warnings. Regarding the Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan coastal waters, small craft should return to port or seek safe harbor.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautionary actions:

  • Those living in flood-prone areas should take action now; clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding; 

  • Stay up to date with the latest information;

  • Clear loose debris around your yard and store any items that may become airborne with heavy winds, such as canopies, tarps, and trampolines, before inclement weather arrives;

  • Have an emergency kit prepared: Store enough food and water for your household for 7-10 days. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies;

  • Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a water-proof bag;

  • Review your emergency plan: If you do not have a plan, learn how to create an emergency plan; Have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities or a caregiver for elderly, you may need to take extra steps to plan for those additional needs.

  • Get emergency alerts: Stay informed by having a weather alert radio, battery-operated, or hand-crank radio, where you can listen to emergency news; 

  • Gas your vehicles and get fuel for your generators;

  • Pull cash from the ATM in case of power outages;  

  • Don’t drive through flood waters: Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle;

  • Secure your home. Put up shutters or board windows to mitigate impact. 

The 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 the following links for the latest information:

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