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December is here and winter is already bringing biting cold temperatures.
The D.C. government issued its latest hypothermia alert on Dec. 22, 2024.
D.C.’s Department of Human Services says they issue a hypothermia alert when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures of 32° F or below; or, when the temperature is forecasted to be 40° F or below and there is a high chance of precipitation.
The conditions are especially dangerous for those experiencing homelessness, the elderly and unaccompanied minors.
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For those in need, use the resources below:
D.C. cold weather resources
- If you need help or see someone needing shelter call 202-399-7093 or 311
- If someone is at immediate risk, call 911
- Families experiencing homelessness can contact the shelter hotline or visit the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center at 64 New York Avenue NE.
- Sign up for free email and text alerts with AlertDC or follow AlertDC on X to get notified of hypothermia alerts
- Transportation to and from shelters is available 24/7. Check here for the transportation schedule.
- A map of low-barrier shelters is available here.
Correction (Monday, Dec. 23 at 3 p.m.): The address of the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center has been updated.
Weather
Latest weather forecast, live radar and weather maps for Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia
Maryland cold weather resources
Montgomery County
- For daytime warming centers call the Homeless Resource Line at 240-907-2688
- For emergency shelters call the Crisis Center at 240-777-4000
- Go in person for emergency shelter information to 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD
- Call police for non-emergencies at 301-279-8000
- Visit the Montgomery County police's website for more details
For more information, call 311 or 240-777-0311 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.
Prince George's County
- Sign up here to receive any severe weather or emergency alerts
- For warming centers in the county, check here for locations
- Non-emergency police: 301-352-1200
- Emergency Shelter Services/Homeless Hotline: 888-731- 0999
Frederick County
- Non-emergency police number: 301-600-2100
- Sign up for alert notifications for Frederick County or text AlertFC to 888777 to sign up with your mobile device.
- For warming centers in the county, check here for locations
- Heartly House Emergency Center hotline: 301-662-8800
Virginia cold weather resources
Fairfax County
- Non-emergency police line call 703-691-2131
- For a list of shelters and more information on the Hypothermia Prevention Program, visit this website
Prince William County
Both of the city's hypothermia shelters will be available from Nov. 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. They can serve up to 22 people on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- StreetLight Ministries serves eastern Prince William County. Email thermalshelter@thestreetlight.org or call 703-227-7140. Operating hours are Monday to Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
- Open when temperatures drop below 32° F the Manassas Baptist Church serves western Prince William County. Call 571-277-0728. Operating hours are 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., except Wednesdays (8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.)
- For more information, visit their website
Alexandria
- The Winter Shelter is open nightly from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. regardless of weather. Call 571-652-9984.
- Non-emergency police line: 703-746-4444
- For more information, visit their website
Arlington County
- Shelters outside of business hours: 703-228-1010
- PathForward Shelter Program: 703-228-7803
- New Hope Housing: 703-228-0022
- For more information, visit their website.
Falls Church
- Falls Church Emergency Winter Shelter after 5 p.m. call 703-854-1400
- Non-emergency: 703-248-5053
- For more information, visit their website
Loudoun County
Loudoun County Hypothermia Prevention Shelter is open 5 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., seven nights a week
- Non-emergency: 703-777-1021
- Loudoun County Hypothermia Prevention Shelter: 703-777-0420
- For more information, visit their website
