Here is How to Stay Safe in the DC Hypothermia Season

A Guide to City Resources and Personal Safety

As temperatures drop in the nation’s capital, the DC hypothermia season officially begins, bringing with it a city-wide mobilization to protect all residents, especially those experiencing homelessness.

“Our number one priority, especially as the days and nights get colder, is to get people inside,” stated Mayor Muriel Bowser at a recent event marking the start of the season.

The District has a “right to shelter” mandate, meaning it provides shelter to any resident in need during hypothermic or cold-weather conditions. For the public, staying safe is a two-part effort: protecting yourself and your family, and knowing how to help vulnerable neighbors.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to stay safe.

How You Can Help a Neighbor in Need

The single most important action a resident can take is to use the city’s shelter hotline. If you see someone outside in the cold who appears to be in need of shelter, do not assume they are okay.

Call the Shelter Hotline: (202) 399-7093 or 311

• When to call: Call this number if you see an individual who is outside, exposed to the cold, and needs a wellness check or transportation to a shelter.
• What happens when you call: The city will dispatch a trained outreach professional. As Lisa West, a 31-year veteran driver with the United Planning Organization (UPO), explained, “We’re the eyes and the ears of the city. Our goal is to get people inside to shelters where there’s additional support. We pick up people who are cold and need a place… someplace warm.”
• When to call 911: If you see someone who appears to be in immediate medical distress or at risk (e.g., unconscious, disoriented, or exhibiting signs of severe hypothermia), call 911 immediately for emergency medical services.

“It’s a pledge saying that if you see someone who is outside in the cold, one of the easiest ways you can help is by calling the shelter hotline,” said Mayor Bowser.

Understanding City Alerts

To keep the public informed, the District has simplified its alert system. You may see two different alerts issued based on the forecast:

1. Cold Alert: This is a public reminder to stay vigilant and safe, prompting agencies to adjust operations.
2. Extreme Cold Alert: This is triggered by more severe weather conditions and activates additional city services, such as expanding shelter hours.

For the most current information on alerts and available services, the city maintains a dedicated resource website: cold.dc.gov.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Staying safe during the DC hypothermia season also means taking personal precautions at home and outdoors.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) and frostbite are serious medical risks.

• Signs of Hypothermia: Confusion, severe shivering, dizziness, exhaustion, and slurred speech.
• Signs of Frostbite: Numbness, a waxy feeling, and skin discoloration (flushed, gray, white, or blue).

If you suspect someone has hypothermia or frostbite, call 911 immediately.

At Home

• Dress in Layers: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothes in layers.
• Heat Safely: If you use a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep it at least three feet away from flammable items like furniture, bedding, and curtains. Plug heaters directly into the wall, not an extension cord.
• Check Detectors: Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
• Never Use Ovens for Heat: Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.

Outdoors

• Cover Up: Wear a hat, mittens (which are warmer than gloves), and a scarf to cover your mouth and protect your lungs.
• Stay Dry: Wet clothing loses insulating value and increases heat loss.
• Limit Exposure: Stay indoors if possible. If you must go out, make trips brief and avoid overexertion.

Check on Neighbors

Finally, a crucial part of community safety is checking on those who are most vulnerable, particularly seniors, families with young children, and neighbors living alone. A simple phone call or a knock on the door can make a critical difference during a cold snap.