Heat Emergency Activated

Photo by PoPville flickr user Jim Havard

From AlertDC:

“The National Weather Service reports the temperature is 89 degrees with a heat index of 98degrees. The Heat Emergency Plan has been activated. DDOT, DHS, FEMS, MPD, OUC, DPW, DPR, DOH, WMATA and the ward outreach have been notified.

As temperatures rise, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and DC Water urge those in the District to beat the heat without tampering with fire hydrants. Unauthorized hydrant use can hamper firefighting, damage the water system and cause injury. It can also flood streets, creating traffic dangers and it can lower the water pressure for everyone on the block.

Residents and visitors in the District can keep cool by staying in shade or air conditioning and drinking plenty of water. When the temperature or heat index reaches 95, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions against the heat. If they do not live in an air-conditioned building, they may take refuge at a District swimming pool, cooling center, recreation facility, senior center or other air-conditioned building. More information, and locations, can be found at hsema.dc.gov or by calling 311.”