DC heat wave: Officials activate heat emergency, extend select cooling center hours

DC officials share tips on how to beat extreme heat

Officials held a press conference in D.C. Friday to talk about ways District residents can stay cool during the heat wave hitting the region over the weekend.

WASHINGTON - Officials in D.C. activated the District's Heat Emergency Plan Saturday in response to the forecasted extreme heat gripping the city.

The heat emergency plan went into effect Saturday at 10 a.m. and will remain in place until Monday, July 25.

According to Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency officials, the District activates its heat emergency plan when the temperature or the heat index is 95 degrees or higher.

Weather forecasts show temperatures will be in the upper 90s in the District through Monday.

To help residents beat the heat, the District is activating its cooling centers and extending weekend hours at several pools across the city.

The pools listed below will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday:

Ward 1: Banneker Pool, 2500 Georgia Avenue, NW
Ward 2: Volta Park Pool, 1555 34th Street, NW
Ward 3: Hearst Pool, 3701 37th Street, NW
Ward 4: Upshur Pool, 4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW
Ward 5: Langdon Park Pool, 2860 Mills Avenue, NE; Harry Thomas Sr. Pool, 1743 Lincoln Road, NE
Ward 6: Randall Pool, 25 I Street, SW
Ward 7: Ridge Road Pool, 830 Ridge Road, SE; Rosedale Pool, 1701 Gales Street, NE
Ward 8: Fort Stanton Pool, 1800 Erie Street, SE; Oxon Run Pool, 501 Mississippi Avenue, SE

As part of the heat emergency plan, the district also extended hours at the following day centers:

Downtown Day Services Center: Saturday, July 23, 10am–6pm and Sunday, July 24, 11am–6pm
801 East Day Center: Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 9am–6pm
Adams Place Day Center: Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 7am–7pm

Officials say people in need of a ride to a cooling center can call 202-399-7093 or dial 311 for help.

You can see a full interactive map of the District's cooling center locations here.

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE IN THE HEAT

D.C. officials remind residents that In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to be severely affected by extreme heat.

These are some tips for how you, your family, and pets can stay safe during the heat.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room.
Stay out of direct sunshine.
Check up on relatives and neighbors.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside and when possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms usually occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early sign the body is having trouble with the heat. Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, construction workers and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures.
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms usually occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early sign the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, construction workers and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures.
Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments when working outdoors.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible. If you take them on walks, try to take them out early in the morning or late at night. Also make sure, your pets get plenty of water and do not leave them outside. For all animal emergencies, please call the Humane Rescue Alliance at (202) 723-5730.

Blistering heatwave continues in DMV

People found ways to beat the extreme heat Thursday across the D.C. region. FOX 5’s Jennifer Delgado reports live from Alexandria at the Great Waves water park.