Office of Unified Communications

🔴 A Code Red Air Quality Alert is issued for DC today, July 18, due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Conditions are expected to improve to a Code Orange later this afternoon. Outdoor air quality is currently unhealthy for at-risk groups including seniors, children, pregnant people, and people with heart and lung conditions. The general public may experience health issues. 🛋️ Limit time outside. ☎️ Check on neighbors and loved ones. 📚 Visit libraries and community centers for free, fun indoor space. 🖥️ Follow guidance from DC health. Learn more: airnow.gov/dc.

DC is under an Extreme Heat Alert until Sunday, July 19 at 8:00 AM. Daytime temperatures will feel like 105°F or hotter. Overnight temperatures may feel like 80°F or hotter. Limit time outside if possible. Drink lots of water and look out for signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, like dizziness and nausea. Check on neighbors and pets. Call 9-1-1 if you or a neighbor need help. Visit heat.dc.gov for more information, including free places to keep cool.

Due to poor air quality, all outdoor activities are suspended for today, Friday, July 17 nixle.us/HG7JT

Air quality in Washington, DC is unsafe right now, especially for sensitive groups. Groups at highest risk include: • Older adults (over age 65) • Children • Pregnant people • Those who have heart disease, asthma, or other chronic lung disease

Things to know about air quality in DC (7/17): 1. We’re currently in Code Purple. 2. We're advising sensitive groups to stay indoors as much as possible and all other groups to limit both time outside and to avoid heavy exertion activities. If you must go outside, wear a mask. 3. All DC Gov outdoor activities cancelled; outdoor pools and spray parks are closed.

A Code Purple air quality alert has been issued for DC. During a Code Purple alert, the risk of health effects is increased for everyone. DC HSEMA is monitoring the impact of Canadian wildfire smoke on the region. Check airnow.gov/dc for air quality updates. Limit time outside during periods of poor air quality.

Thank you to the residents, community leaders, and partners who participated in this week's 311 App Resident Engagement session. Missed this session? Join the next! 📅 Sat, July 18 ⏰11am-1pm 📍 Barry Farm Recreation Center Register: s.dc.gov/311-App-Sessio… @OCTODC

Summer heat can feel overwhelming - especially with heavy emotions layered on top. Take care of your mind and your body: stay hydrated, find shade, and check in with yourself. Need someone to talk to? Caring counselors are available 24/7 by call, text, or chat. 💙

As this #heatwave continues, remember to NEVER leave kids or pets alone in cars, where temperatures can rise very quickly. Call 9-1-1 if you see a child or a pet in a parked car on a hot day, especially if they are in visible heat distress. Learn heat safety tips: heat.dc.gov

Temps are expected to feel like 105° today in Washington, DC. Shelter Hotline: (202) 399-7093 Cooling centers: heat.dc.gov Pools & spray parks: summer.dc.gov Take precautions, stay hydrated, and look out for your neighbors.

@MayorBowser's District Leadership Academy is a 6-week fellowship where participants receive professional development, valuable work experience, and gain an understanding of the breadth of work that District government does. OUC welcomed the fellows for a tour and Q&A session.

DC is under a Heat Alert until Wednesday, July 15  at 8:00 AM. Temperatures will feel like 95°F or hotter. You can beat the heat by: ✅ Staying in air-conditioned or shaded areas. ✅ Taking frequent breaks while working outside. ✅ Drinking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Visit heat.dc.gov for more information.

Sometimes typing feels easier than talking, and that's okay. 💬 The 988 chat option gives you 24/7 access to a skilled, compassionate counselor, whenever you need it. You don't have to go through this alone. 💙 988lifeline.org/get-help/

Tomorrow: Help shape DC's next 311 App! Join OUC & OCTO for our first community design session. 📅 Tue, July 14 | 6–8 PM 📍 Dept. of Buildings, 1100 4th St SW Free & open to all. ASL/interpretation available on request. Register: s.dc.gov/311-App-Sessio… @311DCgov #DC311

Last week, our Heroes in Headsets received 17,821 calls for service for police, fire, and EMS, and handled over 158 text-to-911 sessions with 95.06% of calls answered in 20 seconds or less. #WeAnswerTheCall

DC's Next 311 App starts with you. Join a free Resident Engagement Session this summer and help co-design improvements to the District's 311 app.📱 4 sessions, all 4 quadrants Register: s.dc.gov/311-App-Sessio… @OCTODC

DC remains under an Extreme Heat Alert until tomorrow, Monday, July 6 at 8:00AM. Temperatures will feel like 105°F or hotter. Limit time outside if possible. Stay hydrated and look out for signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Call 911 if you or a neighbor need help. Visit heat.dc.gov for more information.

To avoid crowds at Smithsonian after the fireworks, try one of the alternate rail stations around the Mall. Saturday service hours are in affect on rail (2 a.m. closing time), but trains will stay in service longer, if necessary, to make sure event attendees get to their final destinations. Fares will remain free through the end of service – including any extended hours.

To report illegal fireworks from July 3-6, call 311, and select option 1 or visit 311.dc.gov and submit an Illegal Fireworks request. Only call 911 for emergencies.

If you're still out for fireworks, remember that smoke may affect the air quality. If your breathing feels harder than usual, head indoors.