Mayor Bowser Activates 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 7 pm on Friday, November 13, until 9 am on Saturday, November 14. According to the National Weather Service, the low overnight temperature in Washington, DC is expected to be 37 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill low of 32 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
Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts occur when the National Weather Service forecasts weather that presents a risk to residents, especially those who are outdoors and experiencing homelessness.

A Cold Alert is triggered when the forecasted temperature with wind chill is between:
• 16° and 32°F, OR
• 21° to 40°F if precipitation (snow, rain, or hail) is expected

An Extreme ColdAlert is triggered when the forecasted temperature with wind chill falls below:
• 15°F, OR
• 20°F if precipitation (snow, rain, or hail) is expected

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 Alternatives - 400 50th Street SE

Hypothermia Shelters:
The following hypothermia shelters will be open overnight from 7 pm to 9 am on Friday, November 13 into Saturday, November 14.

Women
• Eve's Place - 2210 Adams Place NE

Men
• 801 East Day Center - 2722 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue SE
• Emery Hypothermia - 1725 Lincoln Road NE
• Federal City 1 North - 425 2nd Street NW

Hypothermia shelters operate from 7 pm to 9 am unless otherwise noted. Once a hypothermia shelter opens, it stays open until the end of the season. Additional hypothermia shelters will be added if the District's shelter system approaches capacity.

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.

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

Families seeking emergency shelter over the weekend can call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311.

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