Mayor Bowser Activates the District’s First Cold Alert of the Season

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), in collaboration with the DC Department of Human Services (DHS), will activate a Cold Alert from 8 pm today, Monday, November 10, until 9 am tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11. According to the National Weather Service, the low overnight temperature in Washington, DC is expected to be 29 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill low of 18 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and to help neighbors experiencing homelessness in need of shelter by calling the Shelter Hotline. To request free, accessible transportation for yourself or someone else, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or by dialing 311. If you believe there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911.

Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts

Members of the public and community partners should expect to see updated language for alerts during the cold weather months. In the past, the District referred to activating a "Hypothermia Alert"; going forward, HSEMA will instead issue a "Cold Alert." And instead of a "Cold Weather Emergency," HSEMA will issue an "Extreme Cold Alert."

These alerts occur when the National Weather Service forecasts weather that presents a risk to residents, especially those who are outdoors and experiencing homelessness. See below for more information.

A Cold Alert is triggered when the actual or forecasted temperature (including wind chill) is between:

• 16° and 32°F, OR
• 21° to 40°F if precipitation (snow, rain, or hail) is expected
  • Alert messaging will include forecasted precipitation

An Extreme Cold Alert will be triggered when the actual or forecasted temperature (including wind chill) falls below:

• 15°F without precipitation, OR
• 20°F if precipitation (snow, rain, or hail) is expected
  • Alert messaging will include forecasted precipitation

Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts are shared through AlertDC, the District's emergency public notification system. Residents can sign up for free email and text alerts and updates at alert.dc.gov.

Cold Weather Safety Precautions:

• Stay inside if you can.
• Cover up and limit exposed skin when you go outside.
• Check on your neighbors and learn the signs of hypothermia, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with access and functional needs who are the most vulnerable in our community.
• The District opens Hypothermia Shelters to ensure there are warm, safe places to be for anyone experiencing homelessness. For a list of shelters and other information about hypothermia season, visit cold.dc.gov.
• For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures, call the Brandywine Valley SPCA at 202-888-PETS.

Low-Barrier Shelters:

The following low-barrier shelters are open 24/7 year-round (except where noted):

Women

• Harriet Tubman - 1910 Massachusetts Avenue SE
• Pat Handy - 810 5th Street NW
• St. Josephine Bakhita - 6010 Georgia Avenue NW (7 pm to 7 am only)

Men

• 801 East - 2722 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue SE
• Adams Place - 2210 Adams Place NE
• Emery - 1725 Lincoln Road NE
• New York Avenue - 1355 New York Avenue NE

LGBTQ+

• Living Life Alternative - 400 50th Street SE

Hypothermia Shelters:

The following hypothermia shelters are open 7 pm to 7 am during Hypothermia Season. If/when there is an Extreme Cold Alert, hypothermia shelters extend their hours to 24/7, operating around the clock until the Extreme Cold Alert is lifted. Additional sites will be added when the District's shelter system approaches capacity.

Women

• Eve's Place - 2210 Adams Place NE
• Harbor Light - 2100 New York Avenue NE

Men

• 801 East Day Center - 2722 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue SE
• Emery Hypothermia - 1725 Lincoln Road NE
• Naylor Road - 2601 Naylor Road SE

Please note: Adjustments to hours and facilities may occur if circumstances dictate (e.g., utility issues, weather-related access, etc.)

Families seeking emergency shelter can call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311 at any time day or night.