(Washington, DC) – Today, the Bowser Administration announced updates to the District’s Heat Plan. The Heat Plan offers guidance to community members and visitors, including those experiencing homelessness, to help them stay safe and cool during periods of extreme heat. The DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) serves as the District’s lead for alerting the public regarding extreme heat. When a heat alert or extreme heat alert is issued, HSEMA will notify residents through AlertDC and social media. The agency also coordinates with outreach teams from the Department of Human Services (DHS), United Planning Organization (UPO), Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), and the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) to share information with vulnerable residents and ensures that all relevant District agencies are informed and prepared to respond.

Members of the public and community partners should expect to see updated language during this season of extreme heat. In the past, the District referred to activating a “heat emergency”; going forward, HSEMA will instead issue a “heat alert” and/or an “extreme heat alert.” See below for more information about each designation. 

• Heat Alert at 95 Degrees: When the heat index forecast reaches 95 degrees or higher, the District will issue a Heat Alert and open cooling centers where community members can seek relief from the heat. 
• Extreme Heat Alert at 105 Degrees: When the heat index forecast exceeds 105 degrees, the District will issue an Extreme Heat Alert and may implement additional resources as needed to support public health and wellness during particularly severe or hazardous heat conditions.
• Expanded Public Messaging: Alerts will also include information about whether high overnight temperatures are forecasted, as well as the anticipated duration of the alert (e.g., when an alert is forecasted for consecutive days).

Residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertDC to receive messaging during the heat season, as well as alerts for other potential threats and hazards. The District will also post information on the heat plan, cooling centers, available services and resources, and safety tips for staying safe from heat at heat.dc.gov. 

Periods of high heat and humidity can exacerbate existing medical conditions and can cause serious medical emergencies such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Individuals who are outdoors for extended periods or participate in strenuous physical activity are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness or injury. Residents are advised to stay cool and check on seniors and other vulnerable neighbors. 

If you are concerned about unsheltered neighbors, or to access free, accessible transportation to a day center or low-barrier shelter, call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. 

Low-Barrier Shelters and Day Centers
Low-barrier shelters and day centers for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round, provide an air-conditioned and safe place to stay, and offer additional support services and case management. Follow this link for more information.

Cooling Centers
Cooling centers are locations across the District where individuals can go to gain respite from the heat. In addition to providing an air-conditioned place to cool off, some cooling centers provide additional services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Facilities serving as cooling centers include low-barrier shelters, day centers, public libraries, community centers and recreation centers, and youth services centers. Find the closest cooling center using the map located at heat.dc.gov.

Visit a District Pool, Indoor Pool, or Spray Park
When it’s hot out, one of the best ways to cool down quickly is to go swimming or splash around in cold water. The District offers free access to indoor pools, outdoor pools, and spray parks for DC residents, operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). 

• Indoor pools are available year-round across the city. Visit dpr.dc.gov/indoorpools for a full list of locations and hours.
• Outdoor pools are open weekends only through Sunday, June 22, and will begin operating six days a week on individual schedules starting Monday, June 23. Pools will begin closing on a rolling basis starting August 3, with the final closures occurring on Labor Day. For locations and schedules, visit dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools.
• Spray parks are open weekends only through Sunday, June 22, and will operate daily beginning Monday, June 23. Some spray parks may be offline for scheduled weekly maintenance. To find the closest spray park, visit dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks.

Extreme Heat Safety Precautions
Keep yourself and your family safe from the heat during the summer months by taking the following actions:

• Drink lots of water: Drink more water, no matter how active you are, and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, because your body will sweat more on hot days.
• Rest in cool places: Take frequent breaks in cool, shady areas because your body temperature will increase in the sun.
• Keep it cool inside: Close the shades on windows that receive sun during the day to decrease the amount of heat coming inside. During the early morning and late evening, open windows and doors to let heat out and let cooler air in.
• Wear loose clothing and sunscreen: Wear protective, loose-fitting clothing and SPF-15 or higher sunscreen.
• Take cold showers: Use cold water when showering or bathing to lower your body temperature.
• Create makeshift air conditioning: Put a bowl of ice or cold water in front of your fan to cool down the blowing air.
• Keep kids and pets cool: Don’t leave kids or pets alone in cars, ever, because the temperature inside a car can rise very quickly. If you see an animal left outside or in a vehicle on a hot day, call the Brandywine Valley SPCA at (202) 888-PETS.
• Walk pets safely: Take your pet and/or service animal out in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Have your emergency kit handy: Keep your emergency kit available in an easy-to-reach location in case of an emergency.

Get Help with Utilities
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) provides financial assistance, discounts, and energy efficiency programs to help you with utility bills. Visit the Utility Affordability Programs website or call (202) 236-2657 to learn more.

Know Fire Hydrant Laws
Unauthorized use of fire hydrants is unlawful, dangerous, and damaging. To report a fire hydrant that has been tampered with, please call 311.

Volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team
Serve DC offers the chance to volunteer with DC’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which will allow you to learn more about emergency preparedness and help your fellow community members during a hazard event. Visit the Serve DC CERT page to learn more.

AlertDC X: @AlertDC
HSEMA X: @DC_HSEMA
HSEMA Instagram: @dchsema
HSEMA Facebook: facebook.com/HSEMADC
ReadyDC: ready.dc.gov

Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos
Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayorbowser