The Committee on Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Guam National Guard today conducted a Mission Check of the Emergency Operations Center in Agana Heights to verify if a plan or operation is functioning as intended, identify any weaknesses, and make improvements.

At the request of Speaker Frank Blas Jr., the Mission Check gave Committee Members a first-hand look at the readiness of the Emergency Operations Center following numerous inquiries on the state of the facility and emergency response operations.

Chairman Shawn Gumataotao led the inspection with Committee Members Speaker Blas, Vice-Speaker and Committee Co-Chair Tony Ada, Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, and Senator Tina Muna Barnes.

“This was a no notice event-much like what they would see during an emergency situation,” said Sen. Gumataotao. “We are hoping that this particular Mission Check will allow our emergency management agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that the facility and personnel are prepared for response activities as outlined in the Guam Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.”

The Mission Check found issues with the facility elevator, mobile command post, access to GHS-OCD website and public information for disaster preparedness plans, staffing requirements, emergency communications, and continuity of operations.

There were positives to include public information readiness, emergency alert sirens, availability of a centralized emergency supply distribution center, and COOP Plans.

“Potential hazards with the EOC have been identified and the Committee encourages the Office of the Governor of Guam to work with OCD to address these critical issues at the earliest to minimize any impact on response activities that may develop moving forward,” said Gumataotao.