HSEMA to Conduct Community Preparedness Exercises
Citizens will test their family plans; learn how neighbors can work together during emergencies
(Washington, D.C.) The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) will conduct a community preparedness exercise on Saturday, November 1, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Columbia Heights Recreation Center, 1480 Girard Street, N.W.
The exercise is intended to help residents learn how to prepare themselves and their families for natural or man-made emergencies and disasters and will provide an opportunity for residents, community leaders and emergency officials to discuss how they would work together in the event of an emergency.
Residents of Ward 1 neighborhoods including Adams Morgan, Cardozo/Shaw, Columbia Heights, Howard University, Lanier Heights, LeDroit Park, Park View, Pleasant Plains, Mount Pleasant and Woodley Park East should plan to attend.
*Food will be provided.
Register online at www.dccommunitypreparedness.org, to attend an exercise or by telephone at (202) 338-7153, ext. 212.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Voting 101
What are the hours for polling on Election Day?
Polls in the District of Columbia are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Voters in line at 8:00 p.m. WILL be allowed to vote. Voters arriving after 8:00 p.m. are not allowed to vote.
How do I know if I am registered?
You are registered if you have received a voter card in the mail—if you do not have a registration card, you may still be registered. You can log on to www.dcboee.org and click on “Check your registration status” under “Voter Information”. You can also call (202) 727-2525 to verify your registration status, though hold times may be long.
Where do I go on Election Day?
To find your polling place you can look at the back of your voter guide, your voter card or log on to www.dcboee.org and click on “Find your polling place”. You can also call (202) 727-2525 to find your polling place, though hold times may be long.
Will lines be long on Election Day?
Yes. The Board anticipates that with the expected high voter participation on November 4th, there will be long lines on Election Day. You can help reduce lines by being prepared: bring a book or other reading material; be sure to go to the correct location so that you don’t find that you have to go somewhere else after you arrive; be aware that there will likely not be restrooms available while you are waiting in line; read your voter guide BEFORE arriving at the polling place and be ready to simply mark the choices on your ballot—reading your ballot for the first time when it is in front of you slows the line considerably; if you have flexibility in your day, go to the polls at off hours—most voters tend to vote in the early morning and after work, lines may be shortest in the late morning and early afternoon; and, above all, be patient! Voting is an important right of citizenship, please don’t let lines keep you from voting!
How do I vote an absentee ballot?
Voters who requested a ballot by mail must have their ballots postmarked by Election Day. Absentee ballots can also be returned to any District polling place on Election Day. Voters wishing to vote an absentee ballot in person can do so at the Board’s office (441 4th Street, NW, Suite 250-North) from Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.
Can I wear t-shirts, hats or buttons supporting my candidate when I go to vote?
No, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations strictly prohibit any political activity within 50 feet of the entrance to a polling location. Political activity includes ANY outward sign of support for a candidate including hats, t-shirts, buttons, etc. Any voter who is displaying outward support for a candidate or candidates will be asked to take corrective action prior to entering the polling place.
How do I write in a candidate?
When voting a paper ballot, voters should connect the arrow next to the space labeled “write-in” and then write in the full name of the candidate next to the arrow. On the touchscreen machine, voters should select “write-in” and then type the candidate’s full name when the keypad appears on the screen.
What if I am not on the list when I get to the polling place?
Voters who are not on the list should first determine if they are in the correct location. If they are, then they should be sure that the Check-in Clerk is spelling the name correctly. If they are still not on the list, then they can cast a vote by special ballot. No voter who believes that he or she is registered in that precinct should be turned away from the polling place. Voters casting special ballots will have those ballots counted if the Board can verify their registration status.
What if I need assistance when voting?
Voters needing assistance when voting may bring someone to help them or they may ask for help from the poll workers.
What if my polling place is not accessible?
The vast majority of polling locations in the District are accessible to persons with mobility challenges. However, in those rare cases where the polling location may have problems with accessibility, the voter may vote curbside (outside the polling place) or may vote at ANY other polling location by casting a special ballot. These special ballots will be counted by the Board even though the voter is not in the correct precinct.
Polls in the District of Columbia are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Voters in line at 8:00 p.m. WILL be allowed to vote. Voters arriving after 8:00 p.m. are not allowed to vote.
How do I know if I am registered?
You are registered if you have received a voter card in the mail—if you do not have a registration card, you may still be registered. You can log on to www.dcboee.org and click on “Check your registration status” under “Voter Information”. You can also call (202) 727-2525 to verify your registration status, though hold times may be long.
Where do I go on Election Day?
To find your polling place you can look at the back of your voter guide, your voter card or log on to www.dcboee.org and click on “Find your polling place”. You can also call (202) 727-2525 to find your polling place, though hold times may be long.
Will lines be long on Election Day?
Yes. The Board anticipates that with the expected high voter participation on November 4th, there will be long lines on Election Day. You can help reduce lines by being prepared: bring a book or other reading material; be sure to go to the correct location so that you don’t find that you have to go somewhere else after you arrive; be aware that there will likely not be restrooms available while you are waiting in line; read your voter guide BEFORE arriving at the polling place and be ready to simply mark the choices on your ballot—reading your ballot for the first time when it is in front of you slows the line considerably; if you have flexibility in your day, go to the polls at off hours—most voters tend to vote in the early morning and after work, lines may be shortest in the late morning and early afternoon; and, above all, be patient! Voting is an important right of citizenship, please don’t let lines keep you from voting!
How do I vote an absentee ballot?
Voters who requested a ballot by mail must have their ballots postmarked by Election Day. Absentee ballots can also be returned to any District polling place on Election Day. Voters wishing to vote an absentee ballot in person can do so at the Board’s office (441 4th Street, NW, Suite 250-North) from Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.
Can I wear t-shirts, hats or buttons supporting my candidate when I go to vote?
No, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations strictly prohibit any political activity within 50 feet of the entrance to a polling location. Political activity includes ANY outward sign of support for a candidate including hats, t-shirts, buttons, etc. Any voter who is displaying outward support for a candidate or candidates will be asked to take corrective action prior to entering the polling place.
How do I write in a candidate?
When voting a paper ballot, voters should connect the arrow next to the space labeled “write-in” and then write in the full name of the candidate next to the arrow. On the touchscreen machine, voters should select “write-in” and then type the candidate’s full name when the keypad appears on the screen.
What if I am not on the list when I get to the polling place?
Voters who are not on the list should first determine if they are in the correct location. If they are, then they should be sure that the Check-in Clerk is spelling the name correctly. If they are still not on the list, then they can cast a vote by special ballot. No voter who believes that he or she is registered in that precinct should be turned away from the polling place. Voters casting special ballots will have those ballots counted if the Board can verify their registration status.
What if I need assistance when voting?
Voters needing assistance when voting may bring someone to help them or they may ask for help from the poll workers.
What if my polling place is not accessible?
The vast majority of polling locations in the District are accessible to persons with mobility challenges. However, in those rare cases where the polling location may have problems with accessibility, the voter may vote curbside (outside the polling place) or may vote at ANY other polling location by casting a special ballot. These special ballots will be counted by the Board even though the voter is not in the correct precinct.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
***Traffic Advisory***
Update on New York Avenue Lane Closures
Water Main Break Repairs Continue
Significant Traffic Delays Expected
(Washington D.C.) – Two lanes of eastbound New York Avenue, NE remain closed today between Montana Avenue and Bladensburg Road, due to a water main break. WASA crews are working to repair the damage under the roadway, and the two affected lanes will remain closed until further notice.
Significant traffic delays are expected during the afternoon rush hour. Outbound traffic should stay to the left to get by. Motorists are advised to avoid New York Avenue and plan alternative routes if possible. Here are three possible detours around the work zone:
· Take Rhode Island Avenue east to southbound South Dakota Avenue to eastbound New York Avenue.
· Take Florida Avenue southeast to Benning Road, and go east to I-295.
· Take Florida Avenue southeast to 14th Street, NE and go south to Maryland Avenue. Make a left on Maryland and then another left on Bladensburg Road. At the intersection of Bladensburg and New York Avenue, make a right turn.
DDOT Road Operation Patrols have deployed variable message signs (VMS) to direct drivers to the alternate routes. Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) will be deployed starting at New York and Montana, New York and Florida and New York and North Capitol Street to assist with traffic flow through the New York Avenue corridor. Also, traffic signal timings have been altered to allow for additional time for vehicles on New York Avenue to move through the corridor (150 second plan to give additional green to all approaches at Bladensburg). The corridor has already been transitioned to PM rush hour timing.
Wind Advisory
National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the D.C. Metropolitan Area, from 10am this morning until 2am Wednesday morning. Gusts of 45-50 mph expected. Rain will also continue. Prepare for hazardous driving conditions.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Brentwood DMV Closed for Two Days
DMV Brentwood Service Center located at 1233 Brentwood Road, NE, will be closed Monday, October 27th and Tuesday, October 28, due to water damage. DMV Southwest Service Center located at 95 M Street, SW, will be open today, October 27th, from 10:15 am to 6:00 pm to accommodate the Brentwood closure. All other DMV locations are operating on their normal schedule. Please visit www.dmv.dc.gov or call 311 for more information.
MPD STRESSES SAFETY, OFFERS ACTIVITIES AT DISTRICT STATIONS THIS HALLOWEEN
To help ensure that youngsters across DC have a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween, many of the MPDC police districts are holding special Halloween events on October 31. The festivities include parties, haunted houses and Halloween celebrations at many of the seven police stations. All of the events are free and designed to provide an opportunity for Halloween fun for young people and parents who might want an alternative to trick-or-treating in the community. For those who will be out and about on Halloween, the MPD offers a number of common-sense safety tips to help keep young ghosts and goblins safe. For example, in selecting costumes, bright, reflective and flame-retardant materials are a must, as are comfortable, well fitting shoes. Instead of masks, which can restrict vision, youngsters are encouraged to get creative with face paints. To promote their safety while walking, trick-or-treaters are reminded to stay on the sidewalk and to cross only at the corner (never between cars). Motorists need to slow down and be on the lookout for children. Homeowners are encouraged to turn on exterior lights and clean up any debris near their property that children could trip on. And, of course, youngsters should never go into peoples’ homes, talk to or accept rides from strangers, or eat any goodies before adults have a chance to inspect them.
Visit mpdc.dc.gov for more information.
Visit mpdc.dc.gov for more information.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Special Events, Oct. 25-28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
18th Annual Step Out To Fight Diabetes
Time: 9:30am
Location: Beginning and ending on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd Street and Constitution Avenue
Contact: American Diabetes Association (202) 331-8303, ext.4514; www.diabetes.org/stepout
Sunday, October 26, 2008
33rd Marine Corps Marathon
Time: 7:30am
Location: Entering DC via Key Bridge; Exiting DC via 14th Street Bridge
Contact: Marine Corps Marathon (703) 432-1241; www.marinemarathon.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
23rd Annual High Heel Race
Time: 7:00pm-11:00pm
Location: 17th Street, NW between S and P Streets; Church Street, NW between 16th and 18th Streets
Contact: Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (202) 494-0242
18th Annual Step Out To Fight Diabetes
Time: 9:30am
Location: Beginning and ending on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd Street and Constitution Avenue
Contact: American Diabetes Association (202) 331-8303, ext.4514; www.diabetes.org/stepout
Sunday, October 26, 2008
33rd Marine Corps Marathon
Time: 7:30am
Location: Entering DC via Key Bridge; Exiting DC via 14th Street Bridge
Contact: Marine Corps Marathon (703) 432-1241; www.marinemarathon.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
23rd Annual High Heel Race
Time: 7:00pm-11:00pm
Location: 17th Street, NW between S and P Streets; Church Street, NW between 16th and 18th Streets
Contact: Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (202) 494-0242
Friday, October 17, 2008
Weekend Special Events
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light The Night Walk
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Beginning and ending at Pennsylvania Avenue & 13th Street NW
Contact: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (703) 960-1100; http://www.lightthenight.org/
Washington Hospital Center's Walking for a Health Lifestyle
Time: 7:30am
Location: Beginning at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE; Ending at Washington Hospital Center, 106 Irving Street NW
Contact: Washington Hospital Center (202) 877-6213; http://www.whcenter.org/
Howard University Homecoming Bison Stampede 5K
Time: 7:00am
Location: Beginning and ending on 7th Street, NW between R and S Streets
Contact: Howard University (202) 806-7196
Howard University Homecoming Parade
Time: 10:00am
Location: Beginning and ending on Howard University Campus
Contact: Howard University (202) 806-7196
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Oyster Adams 5K Race
Time: 8:30am
Location: Union Station
Contact: Capitol Running Company (301) 871-0005; http://www.runwashington.com/
Race To Remember 5K
Time: 8:30am
Location: Beginning and ending on F Street, NW between 4th and 5th Streets
Contact: Race to Remember (301) 871-0400; www.leomf.org/racetoremember
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light The Night Walk
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Beginning and ending at Pennsylvania Avenue & 13th Street NW
Contact: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (703) 960-1100; http://www.lightthenight.org/
Washington Hospital Center's Walking for a Health Lifestyle
Time: 7:30am
Location: Beginning at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE; Ending at Washington Hospital Center, 106 Irving Street NW
Contact: Washington Hospital Center (202) 877-6213; http://www.whcenter.org/
Howard University Homecoming Bison Stampede 5K
Time: 7:00am
Location: Beginning and ending on 7th Street, NW between R and S Streets
Contact: Howard University (202) 806-7196
Howard University Homecoming Parade
Time: 10:00am
Location: Beginning and ending on Howard University Campus
Contact: Howard University (202) 806-7196
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Oyster Adams 5K Race
Time: 8:30am
Location: Union Station
Contact: Capitol Running Company (301) 871-0005; http://www.runwashington.com/
Race To Remember 5K
Time: 8:30am
Location: Beginning and ending on F Street, NW between 4th and 5th Streets
Contact: Race to Remember (301) 871-0400; www.leomf.org/racetoremember
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
DC Community Preparedness Exercise
If a major disaster was to strike...
What can you do to protect your family or help your neighbor?
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Everyone including local residents, parents, seniors, neighborhood leaders, volunteers, and
members of community and civic organizations
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
• Learn what steps you and your family can take to prepare for a natural or man-made disaster
• Discuss and plan what your neighbors and community leaders can do to get ready
• Find out about emergency shelters in your neighborhood and evacuation routes out of the city
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
Using a disaster scenario, test your family plan, learn what to include in your Go Kit, and discuss
how you and your neighbors could work together to ensure the safety of your neighborhood.
WHAT CAN YOU DO RIGHT NOW?
· REGISTER for an exercise near you:
Online at www.dccommunitypreparedness.org
On the phone by calling 202-338-7153 x 212
· Sign up for emergency text alerts and work on your emergency plan at:
http://72hours.dc.gov
UPCOMING EXERCISES
Tuesday, November 25
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland Park Library
3310 Connecticut Ave., NW
Thursday, November 6
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Martin Luther King Library
901 G Street, NW, Room 810
Saturday, November 1
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Columbia Heights Rec. Center
1480 Girard Street, NW
REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED
What can you do to protect your family or help your neighbor?
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Everyone including local residents, parents, seniors, neighborhood leaders, volunteers, and
members of community and civic organizations
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
• Learn what steps you and your family can take to prepare for a natural or man-made disaster
• Discuss and plan what your neighbors and community leaders can do to get ready
• Find out about emergency shelters in your neighborhood and evacuation routes out of the city
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
Using a disaster scenario, test your family plan, learn what to include in your Go Kit, and discuss
how you and your neighbors could work together to ensure the safety of your neighborhood.
WHAT CAN YOU DO RIGHT NOW?
· REGISTER for an exercise near you:
Online at www.dccommunitypreparedness.org
On the phone by calling 202-338-7153 x 212
· Sign up for emergency text alerts and work on your emergency plan at:
http://72hours.dc.gov
UPCOMING EXERCISES
Tuesday, November 25
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland Park Library
3310 Connecticut Ave., NW
Thursday, November 6
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Martin Luther King Library
901 G Street, NW, Room 810
Saturday, November 1
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Columbia Heights Rec. Center
1480 Girard Street, NW
REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED
Friday, October 3, 2008
Weekend Special Events
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Thai Festival
Time: 8:30am
Location: Beginning and ending at Freedom Plaza
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Army Ten-Miler
Time: 8:00am
Location: Beginning on Route 27 in Arlington, VA; Entering via DC Memorial Bridge; Exiting DC via 14th Street (HOV lanes); Ending at Pentagon South Parking Lot
Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk (Sidewalks ONLY)
Time: 7:00am (route opens in Virginia)
Location: Entering DC via Roosevelt Bridge; Ending at City center Lot
Turkish Festival
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 13th and 4th Streets
The Thai Festival
Time: 8:30am
Location: Beginning and ending at Freedom Plaza
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Army Ten-Miler
Time: 8:00am
Location: Beginning on Route 27 in Arlington, VA; Entering via DC Memorial Bridge; Exiting DC via 14th Street (HOV lanes); Ending at Pentagon South Parking Lot
Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk (Sidewalks ONLY)
Time: 7:00am (route opens in Virginia)
Location: Entering DC via Roosevelt Bridge; Ending at City center Lot
Turkish Festival
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 13th and 4th Streets
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