DC announces extended heat emergency

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced an extended heat emergency that will remain throughout the weekend and into next week, or until conditions approve.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and check on neighbors. Those without access to air-conditioning are advised to seek relief in conditioned buildings and cooling centers.

With forecasts predicted to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit throughout early next week, residents are advised to limit time outdoors. Especially vulnerable populations should limit time outdoors to no more than 20 minutes per hour.

Residents should also be aware of symptoms and signs of heat exhaustion and stroke, including dry red skin, convulsions, throbbing headaches, disorientation, chills, delirium, and coma. 

Outreach teams from the Department of Homeland Security, the United Planning Organization, the Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the Department of Aging and Community Living will conduct welfare checks and encourage individuals to stay indoors. 

Additionally, cooling buses will also be available across the city.

Here is where to find cooling areas and precautions to take:

Cooling Centers: 

While some cooling centers will open specifically when a Heat Emergency is activated, many of the District’s cooling centers will be available during their regular business hours. Find your closest cooling center using the District’s interactive map.

Extreme Heat Safety Precautions: 

Help protect yourself and others from extreme hot weather by: 

Low-Barrier Shelters: 

Officials say. all low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round and remain open 24 hours.  

Men: 

Women: 

LGBTQ+: 

The Cooling Center at the Downtown Day Services Center located at 1313 New York Avenue NW is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. Walk-in services are available to guests with no appointment required. Entry will be permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. A full-capacity lunch service will continue Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Overflow Sites: 

Spray Parks, Outdoor Pools, and Indoor Pools: 

District spray parks are now open for daily operations. Spray parks are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Click here to view a full list of spray parks and locations.

Outdoor pools are operating on their weekly six-day schedules. Find the outdoor pool schedule here.

Additionally, DPR operates indoor pools throughout the District, which can be accessed as cooling centers. View a full list of indoor pools and operating schedules at dpr.dc.gov/indoorpools. 

Recreation Centers: 

DPR manages and maintains neighborhood recreation and community centers that can be used as cooling centers. These centers operate on individual schedules which are available online at dpr.dc.gov/reccenters. 

Utility Support:

Fire Hydrant Safety: 

Residents are reminded that the unauthorized use of fire hydrants is unlawful, dangerous, and damaging. To report a fire hydrant that has been tampered with, officials ask you call 311. 

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