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/