How to find a cooling center near you
From the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency website:
When the temperature or heat index in the District reaches 95 degrees, District Government, through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), will implement the Heat Emergency Plan and activate cooling centers for residents to seek relief. Residents and visitors should take extra steps to beat the heat by staying in the shade or air-conditioning, drinking plenty of water and visiting a cooling center. Periods of high heat and humidity can cause medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke.
DC Recreation Centers, DC Public Libraries and Senior Wellness Centers are open to the public and places you can go to beat the heat. For more information on where to go, call 311 or text 311 to 32311.
Interactive map: Click here for the 2019 cooling center map
A list of cooling centers: 2019 Heat Emergency Plan
Hot and humid conditions can cause medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke. If you or someone you know needs transportation to a cooling center, call the hyperthermia hotline at 202-399-7093.
DC Water and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) officials remind the public that unauthorized use of fire hydrants is unlawful, dangerous and damaging.
Additional Heat Emergency Information Sources
View the District's 2019 Heat Emergency Plan: The Heat Emergency Plan includes lists of cooling centers, spray parks, pools and libraries. It also contains resources for senior residents and the homeless.