Raymond Bell is working with HSEMA to complete his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project by distributing emergency go kits to seniors and outreach materials to neighborhoods in his community, Ward 5.
Mr. Bell will spend his summer training his troop members on emergency preparedness and leading them as they prepare residents, particularly seniors for natural or man-made emergencies.
HSEMA is excited to have Mr. Bell, and young leaders like him, involved in such an important mission.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Flood Watch for DC Metro Area
National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the D.C. Metro Area. The flood watch is in effect from this afternoon until late tonight. A slow moving cold front is moving through, and will provide the focus for thunderstorm development and heavy rainfall. If several bands of rain hit the same area, then flash flooding will likely develop.
In the event of a flood or flash flood watch or warning, you should:
Keep your automobile gas tank filled; if electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.
Keep a stock of food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration; electric power may be interrupted.
Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment and lights and flashlights in working order.
Know your elevation above flood state.
Store drinking water in various containers and clean bathtubs. Water service may be interrupted.
Move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwater.
Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road - you could be trapped or stranded.
The depth of the water is not always obvious, or the road could be washed away. If you can't see it, you can't be sure it's there.
Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Develop evacuation routes from your home and your workplace.
Be aware of creeks and other low-lying areas that are prone to sudden flooding.
In the event of a flood or flash flood watch or warning, you should:
Keep your automobile gas tank filled; if electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.
Keep a stock of food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration; electric power may be interrupted.
Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment and lights and flashlights in working order.
Know your elevation above flood state.
Store drinking water in various containers and clean bathtubs. Water service may be interrupted.
Move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwater.
Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road - you could be trapped or stranded.
The depth of the water is not always obvious, or the road could be washed away. If you can't see it, you can't be sure it's there.
Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Develop evacuation routes from your home and your workplace.
Be aware of creeks and other low-lying areas that are prone to sudden flooding.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Northeast neighborhoods affected by Power Outage
Neighborhoods in northeast Washington in the area served by Pepco’s Benning Road substation are without power due to tripped feeders at the substation. Locations without power include Langston Terrace Public Housing (274 units at 21st and Benning Road); Charles Young Elementary School, and WASA facilities at 2600 Independence Avenue S.E. The outage also affects RFK Stadium.
HSEMA has provided 40 cases of water and 500 meals to residents of Langston dwellings as well as cooling buses. The Department of Health has surveyed residents at Langston Terrace to ensure that medical needs are being addressed. The city’s Office on Aging has checked on elderly residents to ensure that they are not in distress as a result of the outage.
Pepco has crews on site working to restore power but there is no estimated time of restoration. HSEMA will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate needed resources.
HSEMA has provided 40 cases of water and 500 meals to residents of Langston dwellings as well as cooling buses. The Department of Health has surveyed residents at Langston Terrace to ensure that medical needs are being addressed. The city’s Office on Aging has checked on elderly residents to ensure that they are not in distress as a result of the outage.
Pepco has crews on site working to restore power but there is no estimated time of restoration. HSEMA will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate needed resources.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Heat Emergency TODAY
HSEMA is activating the District Heat Emergency plan today, as the temperature is expected to reach 96°, and the Heat Index is expected to approach 100°. NWS also forecasts that the Heat Index will exceed 95° again tomorrow. Air Quality is Code Orange today.
The District of Columbia Government will implement the Heat Emergency "Cooling Centers and Street Showers" Program for designated periods of time today, in identified District and public facilities, as well as public housing senior facilities, senior centers and homeless shelters throughout the city. Areas have been designated for street showers based upon their history of unauthorized use of fire hydrants during extremely hot weather, which in turn lowers the water pressure in these areas. The low water pressure poses health and safety problems, especially as it relates to fire suppression. Public swimming pools will extend hours of normal operation.
The Department of Human Services will open homeless shelters any day the temperature or the heat index exceeds ninety five degrees. The Department of Human Services’ hyperthermia hotline – 1-800-535-7252 - will be activated. Residents are asked to call the hotline if they observe people on the street who are in distress as a result of the excessive heat. The department’s hyperthermia van will pick up persons in distress and take them to a shelter.
HSEMA advises that residents should limit their outdoor activities today and take precautions to ensure they are not adversely affected by the extreme heat. In addition to taking steps to keep themselves safe during the extreme heat, residents also should be sure to check on elderly relatives and neighbors and remember to bring their pets inside. Additional precautions include:
• Turn on an air-conditioner or fan
• DO NOT leave children or pets in vehicles
• Drink plenty of water
• Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose fitting clothes
• If you must go outside, apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out
• Limit exposure to the sun (the sun is most powerful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
• Avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeinated beverages.
For more information about the health dangers of heat you can visit the following website:
http://doh.dc.gov/doh/frames.asp?doc=/doh/lib/doh/information/fact_sheets/pdf/
The District of Columbia Government will implement the Heat Emergency "Cooling Centers and Street Showers" Program for designated periods of time today, in identified District and public facilities, as well as public housing senior facilities, senior centers and homeless shelters throughout the city. Areas have been designated for street showers based upon their history of unauthorized use of fire hydrants during extremely hot weather, which in turn lowers the water pressure in these areas. The low water pressure poses health and safety problems, especially as it relates to fire suppression. Public swimming pools will extend hours of normal operation.
The Department of Human Services will open homeless shelters any day the temperature or the heat index exceeds ninety five degrees. The Department of Human Services’ hyperthermia hotline – 1-800-535-7252 - will be activated. Residents are asked to call the hotline if they observe people on the street who are in distress as a result of the excessive heat. The department’s hyperthermia van will pick up persons in distress and take them to a shelter.
HSEMA advises that residents should limit their outdoor activities today and take precautions to ensure they are not adversely affected by the extreme heat. In addition to taking steps to keep themselves safe during the extreme heat, residents also should be sure to check on elderly relatives and neighbors and remember to bring their pets inside. Additional precautions include:
• Turn on an air-conditioner or fan
• DO NOT leave children or pets in vehicles
• Drink plenty of water
• Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose fitting clothes
• If you must go outside, apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out
• Limit exposure to the sun (the sun is most powerful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
• Avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeinated beverages.
For more information about the health dangers of heat you can visit the following website:
http://doh.dc.gov/doh/frames.asp?doc=/doh/lib/doh/information/fact_sheets/pdf/
Monday, July 14, 2008
Be Aware
You can help protect yourself and your family by being aware of your surroundings wherever you go.
Keep an eye out for suspicious or unattended bags or people acting strangely.
Immediately report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages, and strange devices to (202) 727-9099.
Never accept packages or other items from strangers.
If you feel uncomfortable, or if something seems wrong, don’t hesitate to leave the area.
Know where the nearest emergency exits are.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Find Out About the 2008 Make a Difference Day Grant Competition
Notice: Attendance at an information session is required in order to be eligible to apply for this grant. Sessions are scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm; Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm and Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at One Judiciary Square 441 4th Street, NW, Conference Room 1112.
Summary: Serve DC, is offering grants to support community service projects organized for 2008 Make a Difference Day, October 25, 2008, the most encompassing national day of helping others. Three grants worth up to $3,700 each will be awarded.
Known as the "national day of doing good," Make a Difference Day is a national effort designed to mobilize citizens in communities across the country in volunteer service. Make a Difference Day is cosponsored by USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation with the support of Paul Newman and Newman's Own, in collaboration with celebrities, government, nonprofits and businesses. This year, Serve DC will focus its attention on this day to engage persons of all backgrounds regardless of disability, race, national origin or religion. On this day, DC residents will “do good” and engage hundreds of volunteers.
Awards will be made to nonprofits, schools or universities, community groups, faith-based organizations, government agencies, or public organizations to support service projects based on community needs and a culminating celebration to rejoice in the contribution to the community. These activities will enable communities to meet critical needs that include environmental, educational, public safety, homeland security and other community needs. Additionally, applicants must propose to institute a reflection and celebration activity to promote long term service commitment.
Criteria for eligible applicants: Eligible applicants are local nonprofit organizations and state and local units of government (other than state education agencies). Programs applying to Serve DC for funding must conduct the project only within the District of Columbia. An organization described in Section 501 c (4) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC 501 c (4), that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to apply, serve as a host site for the project, or act in any type of supervisory role in the program. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
All eligible applicants must meet all of the applicable requirements contained in the application guidelines and instructions. The Make a Difference Day Grant Application will be released on July 11, 2008 at 9 am. The deadline is August 25, 2008 at noon.
The schedule for information sessions is as follows: One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St, NW, Conference Room 1112, Thursday, July 17, 2008 and Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, and Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
All interested applicants must register and attend one technical assistance session in order to apply for funds. To RSVP for a training session, please contact Natasha M. Ballentine, director, strategic planning at (202) 727-7928.
Serve DC anticipates awarding grants of up to $3,700 for Make a Difference Day grants. The actual number and dollar amount of the awards will depend upon the number of approved applications received and requested dollar amount.
Applications can be obtained from 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 1140 N, or downloaded and printed from the Serve DC website. For additional information, please call Natasha M. Ballentine at (202) 727-7928.
Summary: Serve DC, is offering grants to support community service projects organized for 2008 Make a Difference Day, October 25, 2008, the most encompassing national day of helping others. Three grants worth up to $3,700 each will be awarded.
Known as the "national day of doing good," Make a Difference Day is a national effort designed to mobilize citizens in communities across the country in volunteer service. Make a Difference Day is cosponsored by USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation with the support of Paul Newman and Newman's Own, in collaboration with celebrities, government, nonprofits and businesses. This year, Serve DC will focus its attention on this day to engage persons of all backgrounds regardless of disability, race, national origin or religion. On this day, DC residents will “do good” and engage hundreds of volunteers.
Awards will be made to nonprofits, schools or universities, community groups, faith-based organizations, government agencies, or public organizations to support service projects based on community needs and a culminating celebration to rejoice in the contribution to the community. These activities will enable communities to meet critical needs that include environmental, educational, public safety, homeland security and other community needs. Additionally, applicants must propose to institute a reflection and celebration activity to promote long term service commitment.
Criteria for eligible applicants: Eligible applicants are local nonprofit organizations and state and local units of government (other than state education agencies). Programs applying to Serve DC for funding must conduct the project only within the District of Columbia. An organization described in Section 501 c (4) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC 501 c (4), that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to apply, serve as a host site for the project, or act in any type of supervisory role in the program. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
All eligible applicants must meet all of the applicable requirements contained in the application guidelines and instructions. The Make a Difference Day Grant Application will be released on July 11, 2008 at 9 am. The deadline is August 25, 2008 at noon.
The schedule for information sessions is as follows: One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St, NW, Conference Room 1112, Thursday, July 17, 2008 and Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, and Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
All interested applicants must register and attend one technical assistance session in order to apply for funds. To RSVP for a training session, please contact Natasha M. Ballentine, director, strategic planning at (202) 727-7928.
Serve DC anticipates awarding grants of up to $3,700 for Make a Difference Day grants. The actual number and dollar amount of the awards will depend upon the number of approved applications received and requested dollar amount.
Applications can be obtained from 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 1140 N, or downloaded and printed from the Serve DC website. For additional information, please call Natasha M. Ballentine at (202) 727-7928.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
NEWS: District Prepared to Celebrate Fourth of July Holiday
District Prepared to Celebrate Fourth of July Holiday
Washington, DC – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced today that the District of Columbia is fully prepared to provide residents a safe and happy Independence Day holiday. Every year, hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors watch the fireworks on the National Mall over the Reflecting Pool. This year, the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:10 pm.
District Department of Transportation (DDOT), The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) strongly urge travelers to use public transportation in and around the District on Friday to avoid closures and traffic delays and parking restrictions. Residents of the District should be advised of the following street closures and parking restrictions regarding annual Fourth of July celebrations on Friday. All road closures will remain in effect until the size and dispersal of the crowd is such that traffic can flow safely.
The Memorial Bridge will be closed from 6 am to 10 pm on Friday, July 4. In order to minimize the traffic disruption the 14th Street Bridge and the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will be closely monitored and will only be closed in the event that officials feel there is a safety hazard during the fireworks display. Parking or stopping on either of the bridges is strictly prohibited.
Emergency No-Parking:
Parking will be restricted in the following locations from 5 am to 11 pm on Friday, July 4, 2007:
* 3rd Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW
* 4th Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW
* 7th Street, from Independence to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (both sides)
* 14th Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW (both sides)
* Constitution Avenue (both sides), from Pennsylvania Avenue, west to 23rd Street, NW
* Southbound 12th Street, SW, between Independence Avenue and C Street
* Westbound C Street, SW between 12th and 14th Street
* Westbound Virginia Avenue, SW, between 6th and 7th Street
* Northbound 7th Street, SW, between Virginia and D Street (right curb lane)
* Maryland Avenue between 6th and 7th Street
* Southbound 10th Street, NW, between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue
* Northbound 14th Street, NW, between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue
* C Street, NW, from 17th to 18th Street (both sides)
* Virginia Avenue, NW, from Constitution Avenue to 21st Street (both sides)
* Independence Avenue, SW, between 12th and 14th Street (both sides)
* Southbound 14th Street, SW, between Independence and C Street, SW (right curb lane)
Streets Closed from 6 am to 11 pm:
* 4th Street from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
* 7th Street from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
* 15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Maine Avenue, SW
* 17th Street from Independence Avenue to E Street, NW
* 19th Street, NW, from C Street to Constitution Avenue
* 21st Street, NW, from C Street to Constitution Avenue
* 23rd Street, NW, from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
* Constitution Avenue from 14th Street to 23rd Street
* Independence Avenue from 14th Street to 23rd Street
Streets Closed from approx. 11:30 am to 11 pm:
* 3rd Street from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW (when pedestrian flow dictates)
* 14th Street from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
9th and 12th Street Tunnel
* The 9th Street Tunnel and the 12th Street Tunnel will remain open except during the Independence Day Parade, which will begin at approximately 11:45 am and continue until approximately 2:30 pm.
To avoid traffic congestion and crowds on the National Mall, members of the public can take advantage of the many areas around the District where the fireworks are also visible. Some of the best places around the District to view the fireworks are:
* Lincoln Memorial
* Jefferson Memorial
* National Ellipse
* Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
* McKinley Technical Senior High School – parking lot and main lawn
* Cardozo Senior High School—11th Street side
The District reminds residents to practice caution and follow all safety rules if using fireworks in their home celebrations. In the District of Columbia any fireworks or firecrackers that explode such as cherry bombs, roman candles, or floral shells are illegal.
To reduce injures, the Fire and EMS Department recommends the following safety tips:
* Always read and follow label directions.
* Always have an adult present.
* Only ignite fireworks outdoors.
* Always have water or sand nearby to extinguish fireworks after use.
* Never experiment or attempt to make fireworks.
* Light fireworks one item at a time.
* Never relight malfunctioning or dud fireworks.
* Store fireworks out of the reach of children.
* Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
* Never throw fireworks at another person.
* Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
* Stand at least 15 feet from burning cones and fountains.
* Do not light fireworks near combustibles, such as gasoline, newspapers, etc.
* Do not ignite fireworks that have been wet and then dried.
* Do not light fireworks at any place other than the fuse.
* Do not use illegal fireworks.
* Only use items that have the label clearly listing the manufacturer’s name, address, and warnings.
For more information regarding firework safety, visit the District Fire and EMS website at www.fems.dc.gov or the Metropolitan Police Department at www.mpdc.dc.gov.
Washington, DC – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced today that the District of Columbia is fully prepared to provide residents a safe and happy Independence Day holiday. Every year, hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors watch the fireworks on the National Mall over the Reflecting Pool. This year, the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:10 pm.
District Department of Transportation (DDOT), The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) strongly urge travelers to use public transportation in and around the District on Friday to avoid closures and traffic delays and parking restrictions. Residents of the District should be advised of the following street closures and parking restrictions regarding annual Fourth of July celebrations on Friday. All road closures will remain in effect until the size and dispersal of the crowd is such that traffic can flow safely.
The Memorial Bridge will be closed from 6 am to 10 pm on Friday, July 4. In order to minimize the traffic disruption the 14th Street Bridge and the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will be closely monitored and will only be closed in the event that officials feel there is a safety hazard during the fireworks display. Parking or stopping on either of the bridges is strictly prohibited.
Emergency No-Parking:
Parking will be restricted in the following locations from 5 am to 11 pm on Friday, July 4, 2007:
* 3rd Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW
* 4th Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW
* 7th Street, from Independence to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (both sides)
* 14th Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW (both sides)
* Constitution Avenue (both sides), from Pennsylvania Avenue, west to 23rd Street, NW
* Southbound 12th Street, SW, between Independence Avenue and C Street
* Westbound C Street, SW between 12th and 14th Street
* Westbound Virginia Avenue, SW, between 6th and 7th Street
* Northbound 7th Street, SW, between Virginia and D Street (right curb lane)
* Maryland Avenue between 6th and 7th Street
* Southbound 10th Street, NW, between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue
* Northbound 14th Street, NW, between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue
* C Street, NW, from 17th to 18th Street (both sides)
* Virginia Avenue, NW, from Constitution Avenue to 21st Street (both sides)
* Independence Avenue, SW, between 12th and 14th Street (both sides)
* Southbound 14th Street, SW, between Independence and C Street, SW (right curb lane)
Streets Closed from 6 am to 11 pm:
* 4th Street from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
* 7th Street from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
* 15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Maine Avenue, SW
* 17th Street from Independence Avenue to E Street, NW
* 19th Street, NW, from C Street to Constitution Avenue
* 21st Street, NW, from C Street to Constitution Avenue
* 23rd Street, NW, from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
* Constitution Avenue from 14th Street to 23rd Street
* Independence Avenue from 14th Street to 23rd Street
Streets Closed from approx. 11:30 am to 11 pm:
* 3rd Street from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW (when pedestrian flow dictates)
* 14th Street from Independence Avenue to Constitution Avenue, NW
9th and 12th Street Tunnel
* The 9th Street Tunnel and the 12th Street Tunnel will remain open except during the Independence Day Parade, which will begin at approximately 11:45 am and continue until approximately 2:30 pm.
To avoid traffic congestion and crowds on the National Mall, members of the public can take advantage of the many areas around the District where the fireworks are also visible. Some of the best places around the District to view the fireworks are:
* Lincoln Memorial
* Jefferson Memorial
* National Ellipse
* Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
* McKinley Technical Senior High School – parking lot and main lawn
* Cardozo Senior High School—11th Street side
The District reminds residents to practice caution and follow all safety rules if using fireworks in their home celebrations. In the District of Columbia any fireworks or firecrackers that explode such as cherry bombs, roman candles, or floral shells are illegal.
To reduce injures, the Fire and EMS Department recommends the following safety tips:
* Always read and follow label directions.
* Always have an adult present.
* Only ignite fireworks outdoors.
* Always have water or sand nearby to extinguish fireworks after use.
* Never experiment or attempt to make fireworks.
* Light fireworks one item at a time.
* Never relight malfunctioning or dud fireworks.
* Store fireworks out of the reach of children.
* Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
* Never throw fireworks at another person.
* Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
* Stand at least 15 feet from burning cones and fountains.
* Do not light fireworks near combustibles, such as gasoline, newspapers, etc.
* Do not ignite fireworks that have been wet and then dried.
* Do not light fireworks at any place other than the fuse.
* Do not use illegal fireworks.
* Only use items that have the label clearly listing the manufacturer’s name, address, and warnings.
For more information regarding firework safety, visit the District Fire and EMS website at www.fems.dc.gov or the Metropolitan Police Department at www.mpdc.dc.gov.
Operation Fast Forward IV
Operation Fast Forward IV Set for Night of July 4
Signal Timing and Traffic Operations Exercise on July 4th
(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), in coordination with its regional transportation and public safety partners, and in coordination with its July 4th traffic control plan, will carry out a limited test of its emergency traffic signal timing patterns and emergency traffic operations capabilities.
The Operation Fast Forward IV test will incorporate the lessons learned from the previous three tests and continue a review of emergency plans to ensure that they are effective should an actual emergency impact the District. DDOT will evaluate regional traffic signal timing, emergency route traffic control, and test emergency transportation communication protocols.
The planned traffic signal tests will be conducted on selected emergency/evacuation routes from the National Mall to the Beltway. The test is slated to begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks and run for 60 minutes.
DDOT and its regional partners remind pedestrians and motorists to obey all traffic laws, including crossing at designated crosswalks and following the directions of Metropolitan Police and other law enforcement personnel.
The Operation Fast Forward IV Emergency Routes to be tested are:
· Route # 1 - Georgia Ave (From 7th and F St NW To Georgia and The Beltway)
· Route # 2 - Pennsylvania Ave westbound to Key Bridge via M St, NW
· Route # 3 - Connecticut Ave to Beltway
· Route # 4 – 14th street southbound to Beltway
Coordinating Agencies for Operation Fast Forward IV include:
· District Department of Transportation
· District Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
· District Fire and Emergency Medical Services Agency
· Metropolitan Police Department
· Montgomery County
· Maryland Department of Transportation
· Arlington County
· Virginia Department of Transportation
· Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
· Regional Emergency Support Function #1 – Transportation Committee
· Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region
· United States Capitol Police
· United States Park Police
Signal Timing and Traffic Operations Exercise on July 4th
(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), in coordination with its regional transportation and public safety partners, and in coordination with its July 4th traffic control plan, will carry out a limited test of its emergency traffic signal timing patterns and emergency traffic operations capabilities.
The Operation Fast Forward IV test will incorporate the lessons learned from the previous three tests and continue a review of emergency plans to ensure that they are effective should an actual emergency impact the District. DDOT will evaluate regional traffic signal timing, emergency route traffic control, and test emergency transportation communication protocols.
The planned traffic signal tests will be conducted on selected emergency/evacuation routes from the National Mall to the Beltway. The test is slated to begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks and run for 60 minutes.
DDOT and its regional partners remind pedestrians and motorists to obey all traffic laws, including crossing at designated crosswalks and following the directions of Metropolitan Police and other law enforcement personnel.
The Operation Fast Forward IV Emergency Routes to be tested are:
· Route # 1 - Georgia Ave (From 7th and F St NW To Georgia and The Beltway)
· Route # 2 - Pennsylvania Ave westbound to Key Bridge via M St, NW
· Route # 3 - Connecticut Ave to Beltway
· Route # 4 – 14th street southbound to Beltway
Coordinating Agencies for Operation Fast Forward IV include:
· District Department of Transportation
· District Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
· District Fire and Emergency Medical Services Agency
· Metropolitan Police Department
· Montgomery County
· Maryland Department of Transportation
· Arlington County
· Virginia Department of Transportation
· Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
· Regional Emergency Support Function #1 – Transportation Committee
· Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region
· United States Capitol Police
· United States Park Police
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