01/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/07/2025 22:59
(Washington, DC) - This evening, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that DC Public Schools and DC Government will open on time on Wednesday, January 8.While the District's snow emergency will end tonight at midnight, the cold weather emergency remains activated.
DPW has resumed trash, recycling, and food waste collections on a one-day slide schedule; however, many residents are experiencing collection delays. Residents with either a Monday or Tuesday pickup day should put their trash, recycling, and food waste out for Wednesday pickup. DPW will work throughout the week to restore normal collection operations as quickly as possible. The residential drop off ramp at Fort Totten Transfer Station will remain closed. Leaf collection remains suspended.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for important weather alerts from the District by signing up for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov.
Cold Weather Emergency and Shelters
During a Cold Weather Emergency, the District provides additional services and supports to protect residents from life-threatening illness and injuries associated with severe cold weather. Extended outreach to vulnerable residents is underway to assist unsheltered and vulnerable residents with accessing shelters, warming buses and other resources.
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. Transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you believe there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911.
The following shelter locations are open:
Shelters for Women
Shelters for Men
Shelter for LGBTQ+
Families seeking emergency shelter can call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311 at any time day or night.
For animal abuse or neglect, including pets left outdoors in extreme weather, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730. For other animal control and wildlife services, call the Brandywine SPCA at 202-888-7387.
Residential Snow Clearing
Residential property owners who are not enrolled in the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight following the end of a snow event. ServeDC urges residents to volunteer to clear sidewalks for senior residents and those with access and functional needs through the DC Volunteer Snow Team. Residents can register for the DC Volunteer Snow Team here.
Businesses and Streateries
Commercial property owners are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight following the end of a snow event. DPW recommends that restaurant owners along the treated routes bring in all furniture and other elements within the outdoor dining areas, except for the barriers. Failure to do so may result in damage to the furniture or other streatery materials.
Business owners should clear their sidewalks, parklets, and streateries of snow within eight daylight hours of the storm's end. Business owner/permit holders are responsible for clearing out all snow within the outdoor dining area and ensuring sidewalks are accessible.
Safety and Preparedness Tips
The District Snow Team will continue to monitor the weather forecast and adjust its response as necessary. For more information about DC's snow program and preparing for winter weather, visit snow.dc.gov.
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