DOH Tips for Staying Healthy and Cool in the Heat:

• Drink plenty of water
• Stay out of the sun
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar
• Wear clothing that is loose-fitting, light colored and breathable, such as cotton.

DHS currently has an agreement in place with The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (TCP) to open up cooling centers and provide water to District residents once an emergency heat alert is declared; this action is taken to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. 

Cooling centers will be activated on weekdays at the following locations from 12 noon until 6 pm.:

1. One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW;
2. Frank D. Reeves Center, 2000 14th Street, NW
3. King Office Building, 3720 Martin Luther King Avenue, SE; and
4. 920 Rhode Island Avenue, NE

Four (4) United Planning Organization (UPO) vans will be canvassing various areas throughout the city on alert for persons suffering from heat related stress and provide transport to one (1) of the Cooling Centers. The DHS hyperthermia hotline number is 1-800-535-7252 for persons who need transportation to a Cooling Center. UPO will also provide water to persons transported to the Cooling Centers.

In addition, when a heat emergency is declared, the following facilities will be opened by DHS to serve those residents who are homeless:

1. Open Door (for women), 425 2nd Street, NW;
2. 801 East Shelter (for men), 2700 Martin Luther King Avenue, SE;
3. House of Ruth/Madison Facility (for women), 651 10th Street, NE;
4. New York Avenue Shelter (for men), 1355-57 New York Avenue, NE;
5. La Casa Trailers (for men), 1436 Irving Street, NW;
6. Adams Place Shelter (for men), 2210 Adams Place, NE;
7. John Young Shelter (for women), 425 D Street, NW; and
8. DC General Building #9 (for women), 1900 Massachusetts Avenue, SE