Mayor Bowser Activates Heat Emergency Ahead of Extreme Heat Wave
Heat Wave to Impact District through Wednesday, July 22
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Due to the dangerously hot temperatures predicted to impact the District, Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated the District’s Heat Emergency Plan for Saturday, July 18 through Wednesday, July 22. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a hazardous weather for high heat and humidity for Sunday, July 19 through Wednesday, July 22.
When the forecast of the temperature or heat index in the District is 92 degrees or higher, District Government, through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), activates a heat emergency and activates cooling centers for residents to seek relief from the heat.
Cooling Centers:
Select recreation centers, public schools, and homeless shelters will open as cooling centers each day from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., or until it has been deemed safe to be outdoors, through Wednesday, July 22. If you or someone you know needs transportation to a cooling center, call the hyperthermia hotline at (202) 399-7093. Residents can find their closest cooling center using the District’s interactive map.
In an effort to decrease community spread of COVID-19 in the District, cooling centers have adopted the following safeguards:
- Individuals entering cooling centers are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside the facility.
- Individuals who do not have a face mask or covering when entering a District cooling center will be provided one.
- Upon entering a District cooling center, individuals will be directed to an open seat that is marked off to indicate required social distancing measures.
For information about services provided during extreme heat, visit heat.dc.gov or call the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center by dialing 311. Residents can register to receive Heat Emergency alerts on their devices by signing up for AlertDC at alertdc.dc.gov.
Extreme Heat Safety Precautions:
The public can limit heat exposure by:
- Staying indoors when possible;
- Drinking plenty of liquids and avoiding drinks with caffeine and alcohol;
- Limiting sun exposure, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., when the sun is the strongest;
- Applying sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors; and
- Wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing.
For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme heat or in vehicles, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-576-6664.
Unauthorized use of fire hydrants is unlawful, dangerous and damaging. To report a fire hydrant that has been tampered with, call 311.
Low-Barrier Shelters:
The Downtown Daytime Services Center (1313 New York Avenue, NW) will be open on Monday, July 20 through Wednesday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. by appointment only.
Low-Barrier shelters for individuals operate year-round. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, all low-barrier shelters remain open 24 hours and will remain open all day.
Men
- New York Avenue Shelter at 1355-57 New York Avenue, NE
- 801 East Shelter at 801 Making Life Better Lane, SE
- Adams Place Shelter at 2210 Adams Place, NE
Women
- Nativity Shelter at 6010 Georgia Avenue, NW
- Harriet Tubman, DC General Building at 27 1900 Massachusetts Avenue, SE
- Patricia Handy Place for Women at 810 5th Street, NW
- Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV) at 425 Second Street, NW
Families seeking emergency shelter can call 311 at any time, day or night.
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Social Media:
Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser Website: mayor.dc.gov
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