BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION STANDS READY TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESIDENTS
AHEAD OF TROPICAL STORM BOLAVEN, URGES PUBLIC TO PREPARE
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20231009/biden-harris-administration-stands-ready-support-local-residents-ahead]


Release Date: 
October 9, 2023 

WASHINGTON -- On Oct. 8, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. approved
emergency declarations for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands (CNMI), which allows for federal assistance to
supplement the territories’ response efforts ahead of Tropical
Storm Bolaven. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell also spoke yesterday
with CNMI Gov. Palacios and Guam Gov. Leon Guerrero to discuss
preparedness efforts on the islands and offer support if needed. 

The National Weather Service [https://www.weather.gov/gum/] forecasts
Bolaven intensifying and passing through the Mariana Islands as a
possible typhoon, with the potential to see damaging winds on Tuesday
afternoon. This storm has the potential to bring flooding due to heavy
rain and storm surge. Strong sustained winds can also lead to
dangerous outside conditions and power outages. 

Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should follow
instructions of local officials, have a family emergency
communications plan, charge their devices and batteries and ensure
they are receiving emergency alerts. We encourage everyone that may be
affected by Tropical Storm Bolaven to check on their neighbors,
especially older adults or those who may need additional assistance.

The Biden-Harris Administration has federal assets on the
ground prepared to respond if needed. The federal government has an
active presence on Guam and CNMI due to recovery efforts from Typhoon
Mawar, and additional response assets arrived yesterday in advance of
the storm.

FEDERAL ACTIONS TO DATE 

	* FEMA has more than 300 personnel on Guam and CNMI, including two
Incident Management Assistance Teams that are working hand-in-hand
with local officials.
	* U.S. Coast Guard crews are staffing all necessary watch sections
and actively working with on-island partners to be ready to conduct
post-storm assessments and port reconstitution efforts once it is
safe. 
	* The American Red Cross deployed a forward team of national disaster
responders to Guam and are providing support to shelters in Guam and
CNMI.
	* The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, the Department of Defense and the Department of Health
and Human Services stand ready to provide support as needed.

FINISH PREPARATIONS 

Be prepared for flooding and power outages from Tropical Storm
Bolaven.

	* GATHER SUPPLIES: Supplies for your household
[https://www.ready.gov/kit] should include food, water, medication,
disinfectant supplies and pet supplies
[https://www.ready.gov/pets]. 
	* GO TO A SHELTER: If you need a secure location to stay for the
duration of the storm, locate and go to a shelter. Shelters are open
on Guam and CNMI. Check shelter requirements for what to bring and
what not to bring.
	* SECURE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: Be sure that important documents such
as birth certificates, tax papers and insurance documents are
properly secured and copies are in a weather-proof bag.
	* DURING THE STORM, STAY INDOORS: Unless for emergency purposes, do
not drive until the all-clear is given. Remain off roadways to allow
first responders to clear debris and attend to those who need
assistance most. Stay away from windows and sliding glass doors.

Visit www.Ready.gov [http://www.ready.gov/] or www.Listo.gov
[http://www.listo.gov/] to learn more about how to prepare for
emergencies.