As Typhoon Mawar approaches, the Guam Department of Education is preparing to open multiple emergency shelters throughout the island.  These shelters will not be open until Tuesday morning.  Still, village mayors are asking residents who need to seek refuge to prepare now. 

"We do have several people out there that are homeless and are squatting in dilapidated buildings," shared Louise Rivera, the mayor of Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon. "And residents who still have tin roofing that need to go to a secure area."

For those who need a safe place to weather Typhoon Mawar, emergency shelters at Guam Department of Education schools will be opening tomorrow at 8 in the morning.  Village mayors are have been neen urging residents to prepare now and don't wait until the typhoon hits.

Mayor Rivera added, "We ask that people go early. You already know that you need to be in a shelter, so prepare your stuff so that we can get you to those shelters on time."

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Dededo mayor Melissa Savares added that residents should secure their homes before heading to the shelters. "Please clear around your areas to secure any debris that may cause severe damage to your residence," she advised. "Of course, many of them take shelter because their homes are not strong enough for the strong winds that we are expecting."

Residents should also pack necessities like food, blankets, identification and more. "Bring just your necessities," said Savares, saying, "three days of food, clothing and water. If you have children, make sure you bring enough diapers for them and food, milk and whatever your children eat."

The leader of Guam's most populous municipality also said that residents must follow shelter rules, with Savares pointing out, "You are going into a school campus, so anything that is not allowed in the school campus is not allowed in the shelter, as well."

For those of you who may need transportation to the emergency shelters, pickup will be at your respective mayor’s office tomorrow morning.

Shelters in the north are:
- Astumbo Elementary School
- Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School
- Machananao Elementary School
- Upi Elementary School
- Wettengel Elementary School

For the central region, shelters will be at:
- Carbullido Elementary School
- George Washington High School

Shelters in the south will be at:
- Talo’fo’fo Elementary School
- Merizo Martyrs Memorial School

For more information, contact your village's mayor's office.