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Mayor Gray Encourages District Residents to Look Out for Vulnerable Neighbors and Homeless in Frigid Weather
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mayor.dc.gov - January 6, 2014
Services Are Available to Those Who Need a Warm Place to Stay During Dangerous Weather
(WASHINGTON, DC) – As temperatures in the District are forecast to drop to levels not seen in this region in years over the next 24-48 hours, Mayor Vincent C. Gray encouraged District residents to look out for those who are vulnerable during extreme weather – including the homeless and elderly family members, friends and neighbors.
“The District will see temperatures tonight and tomorrow that we haven’t seen in years – and such extreme cold can have deadly consequences for those who are exposed to it even for a short period of time,” said Mayor Gray. “Please be on the lookout for those who might be vulnerable, and take advantage of the many resources the District offers to keep people safe and warm.”
Mayor Gray said District residents who see or know an individual or family who is homeless can call the District’s hypothermia helpline at 1-800-535-7252. Residents can also call 311 to be connected to the proper services for people who are homeless in extreme cold.
The District government, through the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), declares a hypothermia alert when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, including the wind chill. Extreme cold can cause significant impacts to individuals residing in facilities without adequate heat and for those living on the streets.
District agencies will activate their internal plans to ensure their residents, employees, and the public are protected against extreme cold. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay indoors or find a public facility available for warming. D.C. Public Library (DCPL) branches, some Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facilities, and the Office on Aging’s (DCOA) Senior Wellness Centers are all places where the District government encourages residents in need to stay warm; they are open to the public during normal business hours:
• For a list of DCPL locations and operating hours, http://www.dclibrary.org/hours-locations
• For a list of DPR recreation centers and hours, http://dpr.dc.gov/page/recreation-centers
• For a list of DCOA Senior Wellness Centers, follow this link. http://dcoa.dc.gov/service/senior-wellness-centers
If major power outages occur throughout the city, HSEMA may activate a DPR site as an emergency warming shelter for that neighborhood or area. Emergency warming shelters are overnight shelters open for the number of people affected by the cold emergency with sleeping cots, food, snacks and additional assistance provided as needed.
Pets should also be brought indoors during hypothermia alerts. To report cruelty, neglect and animal emergencies 24 hours a day, call the Washington Humane Society at 202.723.5730.
For more information on ways to prepare for, and respond to, extreme cold, http://hsema.dc.gov/page/extreme-weather-cold
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Extreme Cold - Protective Measures - Be Prepared
alert.ema.dc.gov
When the outside temperature is extremely low, take these precautions:
• Stay indoors during the storm.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.