Declaration of Cold Emergency Tonight – Shelter Hotline Email uposh(at)upo.org or phone 1-800-535-7252

Photo by PoPville flickr user brunofish

From a press release:

“Mayor Vincent C. Gray has activated the city’s Cold Emergency Plan in anticipation of frigid, dangerous weather later today through the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 19. Officials at the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) have informed the Mayor that conditions exist that require the plan to be activated at 7:00 p.m. this evening. A Cold Emergency Alert is issued whenever the actual or forecast temperature, including the wind-chill factor, falls to 15˚F or to 20˚F with precipitation.

HSEMA, the District’s Department of Human Services and other city agencies have determined that the weather as forecast presents a danger to people out in the cold. By activating a Cold Emergency, Mayor Gray authorizes the District to implement additional measures beyond traditional sheltering, such as warming sites, to keep residents who are homeless warm and safe.

“During what is predicted to be dangerously cold weather, I encourage all to be mindful of persons who might need shelter,” said Mayor Gray. “I am confident District agencies will take every step possible to ensure the safety of our residents in need.”

To request transportation to shelter for people who are homeless, contact the Shelter Hotline at [email protected]. An e-mailed report should include the time when the person was seen, their specific location, and a description of the person’s appearance. Individuals who are homeless who don’t have a cell phone or change for a pay phone should call the Shelter Hotline toll-free at 1-800-535-7252.”