City Notice Roundup: Winter Storm Recovery and Public Safety Alerts

Extreme Cold Alert and Hypothermia Services

The District of Columbia remains under an active Extreme Cold Alert as the region continues to experience a period of extended frigid temperatures. In accordance with the District’s cold weather emergency plan, hypothermia shelters are currently open 24/7 to provide a warm and safe environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. Residents are strongly encouraged to contact the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311 if they see someone in need of free, accessible transportation to a shelter. Safety officials recommend staying indoors whenever possible and checking on elderly neighbors and those with functional needs. For animal emergencies involving pets left in extreme cold, the public is advised to contact local animal control services immediately.

Modified Trash and Recycling Collection

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced that manual trash collection is in effect for all routes normally serviced through alleyways. Due to the presence of significant ice and "snowcrete" in many residential alleys, standard garbage trucks are unable to navigate safely. For the current week, residents are reminded that trash and recycling are being collected together in a single stream to expedite pickup. Composting services have also resumed. If your waste has not been collected within 48 hours of your scheduled day, DPW requests that you file a service request through the 311 system. Crews are also working 12-hour shifts to clear public litter cans and salt primary corridors.

DDOT Parking and Street Obstruction Notice

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) issued a formal reminder to residents that all personal items used to save parking spots must be removed from public roadways. Although the snow emergency has been lifted for more than 48 hours, DDOT officials note that chairs, cones, and other markers create hazardous obstacles for ongoing ice removal and snow-clearing operations. Under District law, public streets and parking spaces are for shared use and cannot be reserved privately. Items left in the roadway may be removed by city crews as they continue curb-to-curb clearance on primary routes, including Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Georgia Avenues.

Public Meetings and Council Oversight

• DC Water Board of Directors: The 327th Meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at 9:30 AM. Key agenda items include updates on the Potomac River Tunnel project and infrastructure rehabilitation following recent water main breaks caused by the freeze-thaw cycle.
• Council Performance Oversight: The Council of the District of Columbia is hosting a virtual drop-in testimony support session today from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This session is designed to assist residents and families who wish to prepare and submit testimony regarding the performance of various education and health agencies for the current fiscal year.
• Regional Transit: Arlington Transit (ART) has restored normal service on several major routes as of February 5, including ART 42, 43, 51, and 72. However, some minor detours remain in effect for routes 45 and 75 due to local road conditions.