Are You Storm Ready? Guam Is Prepared!

Here are some things you need to know if its your first time to be in a storm especially on Guam.







Basic Disaster Supplies

Water

•You should have at least a three-day supply of water and you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.

•To keep water safe, keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it.

Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content. Be sure to include a manual can opener.

BEFORE A STORM

Securing your home
•Seepage: Cover beds and other items with plastic to protect from water seeping in around windows and doors.
•Surge: Use surge protectors on major appliances and phone lines to avoid power spikes.
•Kit: Stock up on supplies such as candles, batteries, fuel for stoves and lanterns, toiletries and disposable plates and flatware.
•Organize: Arrange flashlights, lanterns, candles and lighters in places where adults can easily find them.
•Water: Have several gallons of purified water on hand.
•Debris: Secure all loose items such as garbage can lids, potted plants, gardening tools and other materials that could become airborne during high winds.
•Tin: Tie down tin-covered roof extensions with cables.
•Flood: Do not put valuable items and appliances on ground level to protect them from any flooding.
•Power: Have the main breaker or fuse box and the utility meters raised above the flood level for your area. This way, if your home floods, water will not damage your utilities.
•Buy typhoon insurance: If you have one, make sure it is current.

Securing your car
•Fuel: Fill your vehicles' tanks with gas. During Supertyphoon Pongsona in December 2002, a fuel tank farm caught fire and burned for days, resulting in a shortage of gasoline.
•Cover: If you do not have a covered garage, move your vehicle away from trees or structures that may topple or collapse.
•Insurance: Check with your insurance provider if typhoon damage is covered. If you paid for a premium that covers only liability, it is likely you do not have typhoon insurance coverage.

Securing your business
•Contact: Keep emergency phone numbers on-hand. Business owners should designate a contact person who will communicate with other employees, customers and suppliers.
•Windows: Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces in the home or business. Plywood shutters --1/2-inch marine plywood -- can also offer protection from flying debris.
•Records: Keep financial records and other documents in a fire- and weather-proof location. If they're in a computer, make sure you have backup files.
•Inventory: Move your business inventory and equipment to a place that will keep it safe from rain and flooding.

More of The Guam Experience as time fly's by!!