(Washington, DC) In accordance with the 2019-2020 District of Columbia Winter Plan, the Bowser Administration, led by the Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), will activate the city’s Hypothermia Alert on Friday, November 1, at 7 pm.
Based on the forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS), the expected low temperature tonight will be 36 degrees with a wind chill factor below 32 degrees. Hypothermia Alerts are activated when the NWS forecasted temperature, including wind chill, is or will be 32 degrees or below; or, when the temperature is forecasted to be 40 degrees or below, and the forecasted chance of precipitation is 50% or greater.
Access to Shelter: The District opens Hypothermia Shelters in recreation centers and other public buildings to ensure there are warm, safe places to be for anyone experiencing homelessness. Tonight’s Hypothermia Shelters will be activated in the following recreation centers:
Co-Ed
- Malcolm X Opportunity Center (co-ed): 1351 Alabama Avenue, SE, at 8 pm
Women
- Sherwood Recreation Center (women): 640 10th Street, NE, at 9 pm
Transportation to Warmth and Safety: Free transportation to shelter is provided to anyone experiencing homelessness in the District during a Hypothermia Alert. To request transportation to shelter for District residents who are experiencing homelessness, contact the Shelter Hotline by calling 202-399-7093, or 311. Please include the time, address or location of the person, and a description of the person’s appearance.
Increased Outreach: DHS will amplify outreach efforts during the night to raise awareness about the availability of Hypothermia Shelters.
Families seeking emergency shelter can also visit the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center at 920 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, Monday through Thursday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, and Friday, 8 am - 12:30 pm. Families may also call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093, or 311, at any time.
Cold-Weather Pet Guidance: For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-576-6664.