DC Schools Shut Down on January 7: Government Operations Delayed Until 10 AM!

(Washington, DC) – This evening, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared that DC Public Schools will be shut down on Tuesday, January 7. The District has accumulated 6-8 inches of snowfall, with certain locations reporting as much as 9 inches. An extra 1-2 inches is anticipated overnight prior to the snow diminishing between 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Winds will intensify after midnight, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph. Tonight, temperatures are expected to remain significantly below freezing, contributing to a heightened risk of refreezing on roads and sidewalks into Tuesday morning. However, visibility is expected to improve tomorrow, with a combination of sun and clouds early on, transitioning to predominantly sunny conditions by late afternoon.

The District’s snow emergency and cold weather emergency remain in effect. Residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling and to avoid overcrowding snow plows as salting and plowing activities progress.

The snow emergency will persist until Tuesday, January 7. During the snow emergency, vehicles are prohibited from parking on designated snow emergency routes, and vehicles parked in these areas may be towed. You can find a map of the snow emergency routes at snow.dc.gov. To discover the location of a towed vehicle, contact the Towed Vehicle Locator office at 202-541-6083, or visit dpw.dc.gov/page/booting-and-impoundment.

DC Government will commence operations at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7.

On Tuesday, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will resume the collection of trash, recycling, and food waste on a one-day delay; however, residents might face delays due to the accumulated ice and snow in various alleys. Where feasible, DPW collection teams will walk through alleys to gather trash and recyclables. Residents designated for a Monday collection should place their trash, recycling, and food waste out for Tuesday’s collection. DPW will strive throughout the week to restore standard collection services promptly. As DPW gradually concludes snow operations, the residential drop-off ramp at Fort Totten Transfer Station will remain closed. Leaf collection will continue to be suspended.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for vital weather alerts from the District by registering for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov.

Cold Weather Emergency and Shelters

In the event of a Cold Weather Emergency, the District extends additional services and resources to shield residents from life-threatening conditions and injuries stemming from severe cold temperatures. Enhanced outreach to those at risk is underway to support unsheltered and vulnerable residents in accessing shelters, warming buses, and other aids.

Residents are urged to stay alert and assist neighbors experiencing homelessness who may need shelter by contacting the Shelter Hotline. To request free, accessible transportation for yourself or someone else, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. Transportation to shelters is available around the clock. In case of an immediate medical emergency, dial 911.
 
The following shelter locations are open:
 
Shelters for Women  

• Harriet Tubman – 1910 Massachusetts Avenue, SE
• Pat Handy – 810 5th Street, NW
• St. Josephine Bakhita – 6010 Georgia Avenue, NW (7pm-7am only)
• Eve’s Place – 2210B Adams Place, NE
• 11th Street Swing Space – 1009 11th Street, NW
• CCNV-2 South – 425 2nd Street, NW
• KBEC Family Life Center – 4100 South Capitol Street, SE

Shelters for Men  

• 801 East Men’s Shelter and Overflow – 2722 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue, SE
• Adams Place – 2210 Adams Place, NE
• Emery Shelter and Overflow – 1725 Lincoln Road, NE
• New York Avenue Men’s Shelter – 1355 New York Avenue, NE
• Federal City-1 North and Drop-In Center – 425 2nd Street, NW
• Church of the Epiphany – 1317 G Street, NW (7pm -7 am only)
• Salvation Army – 3335 Sherman Avenue, NW  

Shelter for LGBTQ+  

• Living Life Alternatives – 400 50th Street, SE

Families in need of emergency shelter may call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311 at any time, day or night.

For issues involving animal abuse or neglect, including pets left outside in severe weather, contact the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730. For additional animal control and wildlife assistance, reach out to the Brandywine SPCA at 202-888-7387.

Residential Snow Clearing
Residential property owners who are not enrolled in the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program must remove snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight following the conclusion of a snow event. ServeDC encourages residents to volunteer to clear sidewalks for elderly residents and those with access and functional needs through the DC Volunteer Snow Team. Residents can register for the DC Volunteer Snow Team here.

Businesses and Streateries
Commercial property owners are mandated to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after a snow event has ended. DPW advises restaurant owners located along treated routes to bring in all furnishings and additional items in the outdoor dining areas, with the exception of the barriers. Neglecting to do so could result in damage to the furnishings or other streatery components.

Business owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks, parklets, and streateries of snow within eight daylight hours following the end of the storm. Business owner/permit holders must ensure all snow is cleared from the outdoor dining areas and that sidewalks are kept accessible.

Safety and Preparedness Advice  

• Stay indoors when possible. Dress warmly and limit uncovered skin when venturing outside.
• Check on your neighbors and familiarize yourself with the symptoms of hypothermia, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with access and functional needs, who are more susceptible in our community.
• Locate your snow shovel and ensure it is ready for another winter season.
• Examine and replenish your supply of abrasives – deicer, rock salt, or non-clumping kitty litter – if needed.
• Avoid driving during the most severe parts of the storm. If feasible, attempt to limit travel to daylight hours, refrain from driving alone, and stick to major roads instead of shortcuts.
• Ensure you have a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medications for your family and pets.
• Clear your gutters of leaves. Contact 311 to report obstructed storm drains/catch basins and any other non-emergency hazards or damages.
• Keep your vehicle’s fluid tanks – gas, water, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid – fully topped off.
• Prepare a flashlight, blankets, and scrapers in your vehicle prior to the onset of a storm.
• Install a battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detector in your home and/or replace the batteries in existing devices.
• Never use a gas oven, generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or any other gasoline-powered equipment inside your home, basement, or garage.
• Avert frozen pipes by allowing a gentle trickle of water to flow through the pipes.

The District Snow Team will persist in monitoring the weather forecast and will modify its response as necessary. For additional information about DC’s snow program and winter weather preparedness, visit snow.dc.gov.

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