Hurricanes






CURRENT ACTIVE HURRICANES 

Updated: October 25, 2018 at 2:37 PM

Super Typhoon Yutu

Current Situation

Super Typhoon Yutu will continue to move away from the northern Marianna Islands. All Typhoon and Tropical Storm Warnings have been discontinued. Gusty winds will continue over the next few hours before diminishing, but very rough surf with minor inundation will remain possible into October 26, especially along west facing shores. Behind Yutu, high pressure will build into the region providing fair weather through next week.

The Governor of Guam declared a State of Emergency. The President approved an Emergency Declaration (FEMA-3408-EM) for CNMI on October 23 for Public Assistance (Category B) limited to Direct Federal Assistance.

 

Key Points:

  • FEMA and the US Dept. of Defense are supporting a request from CNMI, on behalf of Tinian, for food and water.  An aircraft with the requested supplies is arriving tomorrow.
  • A US Health & Human Services Disaster Medical Assistance Team that was staged in Guam is moving their staff to CNMI, to support medical facilities, as needed.
  • Although the hospital on Tinian incurred structural damage, no patients were inside at the time.
  • Saipan’s hospital and Rota’s medical clinic are open and operating and have beds available.
  • The Commonwealth Utility Company (CUC) is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to validate permanent power restoration resource requirements.
  • The CNMI Public Safety Radio System is offline; numerous cell towers are operating on generator power; CNMI & FEMA Operations have established a Communications Task Force to address these issues.
  • FEMA Operations is bringing in an Air Operations Branch Director that will coordinate air operations with the US Dept. of Defense and contract air carriers that are supporting response and recovery operations throughout CNMI.

Safety and Security

Guam:

  • Government offices closed until further notice
  • Guam Department of Education schools closed through October 25
  • ESF-13 deployed a Quick Response Team (QRT) and Incident Management Team (IMT) to Guam and is embedded with HHS

 

 






BIG 4 POINTS:

Download the FEMA and NOAA apps to stay updated.

Have a hurricane emergency kit ready. PLAN NOW!

Always follow recommended action from local officials, such as evacuating and/or staying indoors.

Never enter/drive into standing water in the event of flooding.


  




WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE IS 36 HOURS FROM ARRIVING



Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit.

Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power or become separated from loved ones. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.

Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.

Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies, especially extra drinking water, blankets, and a change of clothes.

Ensure important documents and phone numbers are secure in water- and fire-proof containers, or backed up electronically.

Make sure you have a plan for your pets as well.


WHAT TO KEEP IN YOUR EMERGENCY KIT

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day and non-perishable food for at least three days
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
  • Basic first aid kit and prescription medication



WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE IS 18-36 HOURS FROM ARRIVING



Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions, and make sure key emergency numbers are saved and accessible.

Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.

Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.


WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE IS 6-18 HOURS FROM ARRIVING



Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power. 


WHAT TO DO WHEN A HURRICANE IS 6 HOURS FROM ARRIVING
 


If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.

Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.

Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.

Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.


AFTER A HURRICANE
 




Listen to local officials for updates and instructions, and only return home when it is safe.

Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.

Watch out for debris and downed power lines.

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Downed power lines may also electrically charge the water.

Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.

Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.