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.

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

Heat Advisory

The District will activate its Heat Emergency Plan today, June 26, at 12 noon as temperatures are expected to reach 95 degrees.

The City will operate four cooling centers from 12 pm to 6 pm at the following locations:

- Frank Reeves Municipal Center, 2000 14th Street, NW
- Judiciary Square, 441 Fourth Street, NW
- Virginia Williams Center, 920 Rhode Island Avenue, NE
- King Office Building, 3720 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE

Residents are urged to remain indoors if at all possible. If they must go outside, they should limit exposure to the sun, wear light-colored, lightweight and loose fitting clothes and drink plenty of water.

In an Emergency, Would You Know How to Evacuate?

For many D.C. residents and commuters, the answer is no. But if evacuation orders were given, precious time could be wasted if you are not aware of the evacuation routes nearest you.

In the District, there are 19 evacuation/event routes that are identified by the stars and bars symbol on street signs. Visit 72hours.dc.gov and click “Find my route” at the top of the page to locate the evacuation route nearest you.

Below is the list of primary event routes.

1) 16th St. NW
2) Georgia Ave. (7th St.) NW
3) Rhode Island Ave. NE
4) New York Ave. NE
5) Benning Rd. NE (via H St. NE and E. Capitol St. SE)
6) Pennsylvania Ave. SE
7) Branch Ave. SE
8) Pennsylvania Ave. NW/3rd St./Independence Ave./Washington Ave. SW/ S. Capitol St./Suitland Pkwy.
9) 9th St. NW
10) 14th St. NW
11) Interstate 395/295
12) Constitution Ave. NW
13) E St. Expressway
14) K St. NW
15) Pennsylvania Ave. NW/M St. NW
16) Macarthur Blvd. NW
17) Canal Rd. NW
18) Wisconsin Ave. NW
19) Connecticut Ave. NW

Have a question, comment, or suggestion? Feel free to leave a comment under this topic.

June 21-22 Weekend Events

Saturday, June 21, 2008

National Capital Barbeque Battle
Time: 1100 - 2100 hours
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 9th and 14th Streets; 10th and 12th, NW between E Street and Constitution Avenue; 11th and 13th Streets, NW between E Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
Contact: National Capital Barbecue Battle (202) 828-3099; www.bbqdc.com
Purpose: A barbecue cook-off event benefiting the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Club and numerous District charities.


NCEC Community Day
Time: 1100 - 1700 hours
Location: 400 block of O Street, NW
Contact: New Covenant Evangelistic Center Community Day; (202) 588-8484
Purpose: An event ministering to the needs of our neighboring community by providing outreach services, health and safety information, clothing, food, activities and entertainment.


Sunday, June 22, 2008

National Capital Barbeque Battle
Time: 1100 - 1930 hours
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 9th and 14th Streets; 10th and 12th, NW between E Street and Constitution Avenue; 11th and 13th Streets, NW between E Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
Contact: National Capital Barbecue Battle (202) 828-3099; www.bbqdc.com
Purpose: A barbecue cook-off event benefiting the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Club and numerous District charities.

Weekend Special Events

HSEMA gears up for several special events happening in the District this weekend. Below is the list of events.

Saturday, June 14th, 2008

Lawyer’s Have Heart 5K
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Beginning and ending at 31st and K Streets, NW
Contact: Lawyers Have Heart (703) 248-1710; http://www.runlhh.org/
Purpose: A run/walk event benefiting the American Heart Association incorporating physical
activity, community involvement, and personal giving to fight the nation’s number one and number three killers—cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Peace in the Streets Bike Ride
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Beginning and ending at 5110 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE; with stop for
prayer at Freedom Plaza
Contact: Holy Christian Missionary Baptist Church (202) 396-7700
Purpose: A collaboration of events promoting peace for all people.

Peace in the Streets Festival
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE, between Hayes Street and Division Avenue
Contact: Holy Christian Missionary Baptist Church (202) 396-7700
Purpose: A collaboration of events promoting peace for all people.

Peace in the Streets Parade
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Beginning and ending at 5110 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE; Ending at 5110
Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE
Contact: Holy Christian Missionary Baptist Church (202) 396-7700
Purpose: A collaboration of events promoting peace for all people.

Hoop Dreams
Time: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd and 6th Streets; Constitution Avenue, NW between 3rd and 6th Streets
Contact: Hoop Dream Scholarship Fund (202) 446-8938; http://www.hoopdreams.org/
Purpose: A 3-on-3 basketball tournament aimed to raise funds and awareness in support of the organization’s mission.

Team DC Sport Pride Fest
Time: 4:00 – 10:00 pm
Location: 1700 block of Church Street, NW
Contact: Team DC (703) 861-8135; http://www.teamdc.org/
Purpose: A sports event which promotes local GLBT sport clubs and helps raise money for three primary projects of the organization.

233rd Army Birthday Ball
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Washington Convention Center
Contact: David Grothaus (703) 614-5094; www.army.mil/birthday/233/
Purpose: A celebration marking the 233rd anniversary of the establishment of the Army.

Capital Pride Parade
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Beginning at Francis Jr. High School, 24th and N Streets NW; Ending at 14th Street and Thomas Circle NW
Contact: Capital Pride (202) 797-4458; http://www.capitalpride.org/
Purpose: A celebration of the Washington, DC Metro area lesbian, gay, and transgender community and its friends and allies.


Sunday, June 15th, 2008

Capital Pride Festival
Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Constitution Avenue and C Street; Constitution Avenue NW between Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street
Contact: Capital Pride (202) 797-4458; http://www.capitalpride.org/
Purpose: A celebration of the Washington, DC Metro area lesbian, gay, and transgender community and its friends and allies.

District Issues Protective Actions for Extreme Heat

In the District, the heat emergency plan is activated when the heat index (an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the effects of humidity are added to the high temperatures) reaches 95.

In general, you should know the difference between an advisory and a warning. An excessive heat ADVISORY means that extreme heat is likely and an excessive heat WARNING means that extreme heat is likely and can pose a threat to life if proper precautions are not taken.

In the event of extreme heat, you should take the following precautions:
· Stay indoors as much as possible.
· Turn on the air-conditioner or fan.
· DO NOT leave children or pets in vehicles.
· Drink plenty of water.
· Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
· Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside (SPF 15-30 is best).
· Limit exposure to the sun (the sun is most powerful between 10 am and 3 pm).
· Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
· If you do not have access to a cool-temperature location, visit one of the District’s “Cooling Centers” located throughout the city.