With temperatures on the rise and expected to remain high throughout the day, the Department of Public Works (DPW) employees are continuing to deliver solid waste and parking enforcement services to the public while also heeding the following vital safety precautions to remain safe while working outdoors in this extreme heat:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Take ample breaks as necessary to rest and cool down.
- Alert their supervisor if feeling unwell.
- Stay alert for signs of heat-related illnesses.
Solid Waste Services
Trash, recycling, and bulk collections crews received water at their rollcalls and water is available in all vehicles. Additional water will be provided by supervisors as needed. As a reminder, trash and recycling crews started their summer daily collection hours one hour earlier at 6 am, which will continue through the summer. To make sure trash and recycling are out for pick-up at the earlier time, DPW’s customers can put their items out starting at 6:30 pm the day before their collections are to be made. The Ft. Totten Transfer Station will be open to the public between 1 pm and 5 pm.
Parking Enforcement Services
Parking enforcement employees (ticket writers, booters and tow crane operators) also received water during their rollcalls and more water will be provided by supervisors as needed. The Blue Plains Impoundment and Storage Facility is following its normal hours, 8 am to 6 pm.
The public may experiences slight delays in certain services especially as the temperatures continually rise to ensure crews are safe, provided with ample breaks and remain hydrated during this extreme heat.
Because of the extreme heat, Mayor Bowser has activated the District’s Heat Emergency Plan and is extending service hours for low-barrier shelters and select Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)-operated outdoor pools and splash parks through Sunday, July 21.
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 needing a cool place are encouraged to use any library or recreation center during their normal business hours, or the Adams Place Day Center. The Department of General Services (DGS) advises caution when using recreational services throughout the District during a heat emergency; learn more about safety guidelines at dgs.dc.gov.
For information about services provided during an Extreme Heat Warning, go to heat.dc.gov or call the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center by dialing 311. Residents can register to receive Heat Emergency alerts on their devices at alertdc.dc.gov.