Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating Independence Day Safely

The City of Alexandria reminds you to stay safe this Independence Day. Here's what you need to know about the extreme heat, best ways to travel, and how to safely watch fireworks.

Health and Safety on Independence Day

Fireworks and summer heat can affect air quality in the region on and around July 4. Check conditions before heading out and take precautions if you are sensitive to smoke or heat. Visit airnow.gov for real-time air quality information for the D.C. region.

Learn the signs of heat illness so you can protect yourself and others:

• Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
• Heat stroke: very high body temperature, confusion, hot dry skin (no sweating), a fast strong pulse, or passing out.

Stay Cool with Cooling Centers in Alexandria

Cooling centers will open at these locations:

• DASH Cooling Bus, King Street near City Hall (in front of 417 King St.). Open Wednesday, July 1, 8:30 a.m. through Sunday, July 5, 4 p.m.
• Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

For other tips on how to stay cool, go to alexandriava.gov/Alert.

Travel Smart on Independence Day

Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro Access will be free to ride from 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4, through 2 a.m. Sunday, July 5. Metro and bus service may be busier than usual. Check schedules, alerts, and closures at wmata.com before you go.

Try taking the Metro, a bus, a bike, or walking to Independence Day events instead of driving.

Parking will be hard to find in both D.C. and Alexandria. If you must drive, plan your route ahead of time. Call 511 or go to 250.dc.gov for traffic and transit updates. Give yourself extra time, especially during busy hours.

If you have a flight from Reagan National Airport this summer, check your flight status closely. America250 events in D.C. may affect schedules. For more information, visit mwaa.com.

Fireworks Are Illegal in Alexandria

It is illegal to buy, sell, store, or use fireworks in Alexandria. This includes sparklers and novelty items. To report illegal fireworks, call 703.746.4311 any time. Any fireworks found inside the city can be confiscated. Anyone caught with fireworks could face a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, including up to one year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. To turn in fireworks with no penalty, call the same number and ask for the on-duty Fire Marshal. For police, fire, or emergency medical assistance, call 911.

Alexandria will not host a fireworks show this weekend. But you may be able to see fireworks from other cities in the region from Alexandria's waterfront on July 4. Alexandria's birthday fireworks will take place on July 11. Find out more at alexandriava.gov/Birthday.

For non-emergency questions about cooling locations or other City services, residents can call 311 or 703.746.4311. Call 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.

For the most up-to-date information about weather, city operations, and cooling locations, please visit alexandriava.gov/Alert.