DFEMS ready to answer call again as second super typhoon threatens CNMI

The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services said it is prepared to respond once again as the Commonwealth braces for what forecasters warn could become its second super typhoon in less than three months, even as firefighters and emergency medical personnel continue recovering from the destruction left by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

DFEMS public information officer, firefighter, and EMT Robert C. Mojica said the agency has remained in emergency response mode since Sinlaku struck in April, with personnel continuing recovery operations while simultaneously preparing for another potentially dangerous storm.

"It hasn't been easy. I know that a lot of people are still trying to recover. A lot of them are still in the recovery stage. We also are still in our recovery efforts," Mojica said

Even before the latest storm's arrival, DFEMS personnel were assisting with dismantling STRONG (Sustainment of Temporary Resilience & Operational Needs on Ground) tents for elderly residents and people with disabilities while preparing shelters and finalizing operational plans for the approaching system.

"We've been hustling. We've been working around the clock. We have been doing many days, countless hours, trying to ensure the safety of the CNMI, make sure everybody's taken care of, everybody's good," he said.

Mojica said many firefighters have been working almost continuously since the agency's April 12 recall for Sinlaku. 

"We've had guys that have been working either 24 hours, 48 hours."

He said DFEMS has already placed personnel on standby for another recall once Commissioner Juan A. Pua authorizes full activation under the Commonwealth's typhoon response plan.

"We're going to saddle up and do it again," Mojica said. "We got the guys on standby waiting for the possible recall."

According to Mojica, about 30 cross-trained firefighters and EMTs were on duty Friday across the Garapan, Susupe, and Capitol Hill fire stations. Once the recall is activated, DFEMS expects to mobilize more than 90 personnel, with chainsaws, emergency equipment and medical units strategically positioned throughout Saipan.

He said the agency also plans to coordinate closely with the Department of Public Works to clear roads using heavy equipment if large trees or debris block emergency access.

Mojica urged residents not to underestimate the approaching storm.

"Let's not take this lightly," he said. "It's going to be serious. It's going to be bad."

 He encouraged families to prepare emergency supplies, safeguard important documents, charge power banks, document their property with photographs, and relocate early if they do not feel safe remaining in their homes. Residents needing shelter should make arrangements immediately rather than waiting until weather conditions deteriorate, he said.

Mojica also appealed for patience and compassion as the community once again faces another major storm while still recovering from the last one.