Dear Residents,
As most of you are aware, we may see significant rainfall this weekend. For this reason, I urge you to take the necessary steps to prepare for a storm event. Heavy rain is projected ahead of the storm and areas of flooding are possible Friday leading into Saturday. The forecast today, tonight and tomorrow is increasing showers, cloudy, gusty winds, with the temperature in the lows at 50-56 and in the highs at 59-63.
The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) is working with DC Water, PEPCO, Department of Public Works (DPW), Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Transportation (DDOT), WMATA, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and the Department of Health (DOH) to prepare for severe weather. Currently, District agencies are working on the following:
DDOT’s Traffic Management Center is monitoring road conditions and preparing message boards. DDOT is also contacting contractors for construction site hazard mitigation.
DC Water has begun to strategically place generators at pumping stations and is putting contingency plans in place for areas of concern (i.e., Bloomingdale and 1st and V St. NW). DC Water is also planning for the potential need for sandbag operations.
DHS and DPR have begun initial planning for strategic shelter locations and support in the event of severe weather.
Pepco is preparing emergency response teams in case of widespread power outages.
HSEMA is holding daily briefings with the National Weather Service and agency directors on storm preparation.
In addition this morning, Mayor Bowser hosted a call with HSEMA and senior leadership to discuss the District’s efforts.
Starting Friday at 4:00 PM, the District will ramp up response operations at the Emergency Operations Center at HSEMA.
HSEMA recommends that residents do the following in preparation of a hurricane:
- Listen to a battery-operated radio for news updates and evacuation routes.
- Take your Emergency Go Kit, which should have enough food and water for 3 days.
- Board up windows with plywood.
- Fill up your car with fuel.
- Bring pets inside. If instructed to evacuate, take them with you.
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Leave early so you are not trapped.
- Stay inside if you do not evacuate.
- Move to a small room, closet or hallway.
- Go to the first or second floor if you're in a multi-story building.
- Avoid using elevators.
- DO NOT walk or drive through moving water and find shelter immediately.
- DO NOT return home (if evacuated) until local authorities give the okay.
- Report any downed power lines immediately.
- Wait for the okay before drinking tap water.
You may find more information on emergency preparedness and evacuation plans at HSEMA’s website here.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (202) 724-8028 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
During the weekend, please contact my Chief of Staff, Ronan Gulstone at (202) 257-4129 or my Deputy Chief of Staff, Dionne Calhoun at (202) 297-0152.
In case of an emergency, always dial 911.
In Service,
Kenyan
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