Politics & Government

With Temperatures Soaring, DC Activates District Heat Emergency Plan

When the temperature or heat index reaches 95, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions against the heat.

With temperatures soaring Tuesday to 91 degrees at lunchtime in DC (and feeling like 96), the District has activated its Heat Emergency Plan.

The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and DC Water urge those in the District to beat the rising heat without tampering with fire hydrants. Unauthorized hydrant use can hamper firefighting, damage the water system and cause injury. It can also flood streets, creating traffic dangers and it can lower the water pressure for everyone on the block.

Residents and visitors in the District can keep cool by staying in shade or air conditioning and drinking plenty of water.

When the temperature or heat index reaches 95, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions against the heat.

If you don't live in an air-conditioned building, you may take refuge at a District swimming pool, cooling center, recreation facility, senior center or other air-conditioned building.

More information, and locations, can be found at dc.gov or by calling 311.

Read more about the city's heat emergency plan here including detailed information about cooling centers, transportation to cooling centers, addresses for swimming pools and more.


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