Heat Emergency Plan In Effect

The DC government has activated its heat emergency plan due to extreme temperatures today and in the National Weather Service forecast for tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/18).

NWS has issued a heat advisory from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for the Metropolitan Area (including District of Columbia). It’s expecting the heat index to reach 105 degrees and the temperature to top out at around 100 degrees. The elderly and those with respiratory ailments are advised to stay indoors.

Tom Smith, the mayor’s Ward 3 liaison, sent this alert.

Dear Neighbors,

Please see below HSEMA’s cooling tips and the link to its Heat Emergency Plan.

The heat index is a measurement that combines the effects of heat and humidity. It tells how hot it really feels when the effects of humidity are added to high temperatures. When heat and humidity combine to reduce the amount of evaporation of sweat from the body, outdoor exercise becomes dangerous even for those in good shape.

In the District, the Heat Emergency Plan is activated when the heat index reaches 95 degrees.

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.
* Visit one of the District’s “Cooling Centers” located throughout the city, if you do not have access to a cool-temperature location.
* 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, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM when it is strongest
* Watch for symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Call 311 for information about cooling center locations. [And see below].

For information about water for the homeless, contact United Planning Organization at (202) 399-7093.

http://hsema.dc.gov/publication/dc-2012-heat-emergency-plan

Please note that most city buildings in your area are being used as cooling centers. Please also note that Iona House, at 4125 Ablemarle Street, NW (Tenleytown Metro), is also a cooling center.

Please share this, and be careful out there.

Kindest,

Tom C. Smith
Ward 3 Liaison
Executive Office of the Mayor
Office of Neighborhood Engagement