(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated a Hot Weather Emergency for Sunday, September 3 through Thursday, September 7. The National Weather Service forecasts the heat index will reach or exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, September 3 and stay close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit Monday through Thursday.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) activate a Hot Weather Emergency when the temperature or heat index is forecast to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for at least four consecutive days. During a Hot Weather Emergency, the District stands up cooling centers for residents seeking relief from the heat. 

During this week’s extreme heat, residents are urged to stay cool and hydrated and to check on seniors, unsheltered residents, and other vulnerable neighbors. Residents can request free transportation to a cooling center for themselves or someone else by calling the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or by calling 311. Residents can find their closest cooling center using the District’s interactive map.   

It is important for residents to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, throbbing headaches, disorientation, chills, delirium, and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid: a person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing a heat related illness, call 911.  

  Extreme Heat Safety Precautions:   

Help protect yourself and others from extreme hot weather by:  

• Staying indoors when possible: find places in the shade or with air conditioning to seek relief from the heat.  
• Checking in on your neighbors: young children, the elderly, and those with access and functional needs are the most vulnerable in our community.    
• Drinking plenty of fluids: increase your fluid intake but don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine, or large amounts of sugar.    
• Keeping pets indoors: walk pets early in the morning, give pets plenty of water and do not leave pets in vehicles, which can reach dangerous temperatures within 10 minutes. For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures or in vehicles, please call the Humane Rescue Alliance at (202) 723-5730.    
• Wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreen: pick lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing, and wide brimmed hats.    

Cooling Centers:   

While some cooling centers will open specifically during the Hot Weather Emergency, many of the District’s cooling centers will be available during their regular business hours. To find a cooling center nearest to you or for more information about preventative resources for the hot weather emergency, visit heat.dc.gov. Cooling buses will also be deployed throughout the District. 

The Downtown Day Services Center, at 1313 New York Avenue NW, is open for individuals experiencing homelessness and will operate on extended hours, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from Monday, September 4 through Thursday, September 7. Services include restrooms, bottled water, and snacks. No appointment is necessary. 

Low-Barrier Shelters:   

Low-barrier shelters for individuals operate year-round. All low-barrier shelters remain open 24 hours.  

Men   

• 801 East Shelter at 2722 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE   
• Adams Place Shelter at 2210 Adams Place NE   
• Blair House at 635 I Street NE  
• Emery Shelter at 1725 Lincoln Road NE  
• New York Avenue Shelter at 1355-57 New York Avenue NE   

Women   

• Harriet Tubman Shelter for Women – DC General Building 9 at 1910 Massachusetts Avenue SE   
• Patricia Handy Place for Women Extension at 1009 11th Street NW   
• Saint Josephine Bakhita at 6010 Georgia Avenue NW   

LGTBQ+  

• LGBTQ+ Adult Low-Barrier Shelter at 400 50th Street SE  

    Families seeking emergency shelter can call the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center by dialing 311 at any time.  

Spray Parks and Pools:  

The following Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) outdoor pools will be open on Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Banneker Pool, Francis Pool, Hearst Pool, Upshur Pool, Langdon Park Pool, Rosedale Pool, Ridge Road Pool, and Oxon Run Pool. Additionally, Hearst Pool and Oxon Run Pool will remain open past Labor Day. For complete details, visit dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools. DPR Spray Parks are open on Monday, September 4, from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; details at dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks. DPR Indoor Pools are closed on Monday, September 4, for Labor Day but regularly open 7 days a week; details and site hours at dpr.dc.gov/indoorpools.  

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, please call 311.