Sandbag Distribution Moved To RFK Stadium, Lot 7
The DC Department of Public Works said today that the demand for sandbags by District residents exceeded its on-hand supply of about 7,000 bags. As a result, DPW discontinued distributing bags at 5 pm (Friday). DPW will receive a shipment of about 2,700 bags by Saturday morning that will be available for pick up by District residents starting at noon, Saturday, August 27, on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents, with DC identification, may pick up sandbags (up to five per household) at RFK Stadium, Lot 7. Distribution will continue until the supply is exhausted. The sandbags weigh between 40 lbs. and 50 lbs. and residents will need to load them into their vehicles.
Kevin B. Twine
Staff Assistant
Department of Public Works
Office of the Director
2000 14th St., NW
6th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
kevin.twine@dc.gov
(202) 671-2593
(202) 673-6833
27 August, 2011
An Important Message from Pepco
With the approach of Hurricane Irene, Pepco is preparing for potential widespread power outages this weekend. The company has mobilized extensive internal and out-of-state resources to repair equipment and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Due to the magnitude of the storm, the company expects the restoration effort to extend over multiple days. Just as Pepco is preparing for Hurricane Irene, we strongly urge you to prepare for the possibility of power outages.
Pepco has nearly 1,000 personnel dedicated to restoration, some from as far away as Ohio and Pennsylvania.
We continue to request mutual assistance from our utility partners.
As soon as safely possible, damage assessors will be surveying the storm's impact. The company will issue an estimated restoration time for bringing power back up to all customers. These estimates will be refined as restoration work progresses.
If your power goes out, call 1-877-737-2662 and take advantage of the automated reporting system. Do not assume your neighbor has called.
Due to the magnitude of the storm, the company expects the restoration effort to extend over multiple days. Just as Pepco is preparing for Hurricane Irene, we strongly urge you to prepare for the possibility of power outages.
Storm Center Update
Pepco has nearly 1,000 personnel dedicated to restoration, some from as far away as Ohio and Pennsylvania.
We continue to request mutual assistance from our utility partners.
Customers are receiving calls from Pepco to advise them of our emergency plans and urging customers to prepare.
Safety is paramount. Customers should evacuate their homes if directed. If customers see downed wires, stay clear and report them to 1-877-737-2662, press 2. Downed wires and standing water can be a fatal combination.
As soon as safely possible, damage assessors will be surveying the storm's impact. The company will issue an estimated restoration time for bringing power back up to all customers. These estimates will be refined as restoration work progresses.
If your power goes out, call 1-877-737-2662 and take advantage of the automated reporting system. Do not assume your neighbor has called.
DISTRICT URGES RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR EFFECTS OF HURRICANE IRENE THIS WEEKEND
In a week of unprecedented weather in the Washington region — with an earthquake measuring 5.8 having shaken the entire East Coast on Tuesday — the National Weather Service is now predicting a significant potential for winds and rain associated with Hurricane Irene this weekend. A Tropical Storm Warning and Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the District and much of the mid-Atlantic region through Sunday. Public safety, transportation, and utilities are working to ensure that the city is prepared for the possible impact of the storm. Residents and business owners are urged to prepare their homes and businesses in advance of the storm’s arrival mid- to late-afternoon on Saturday.
A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relative calm center known as the "eye." The "eye" is generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward 400 miles. As a hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will grow in strength. As a hurricane nears land, it can bring torrential rains, high winds, and storm surges. A single hurricane can last for more than 2 weeks over open waters and can run a path across the entire length of the eastern seaboard. August and September are peak months during the hurricane season that lasts from June 1 through November 30. Hurricanes can be dangerous killers. Learning the hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property damage.
Before the storm hits, have disaster supplies on hand, including:
»
»Flashlight and extra batteries
»
»Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
»
»First aid kit and manual
»
»Emergency food and water supply
»
»Non-electric can opener
»
»Essential medicines and prescriptions
»
»Cash and credit cards
During a hurricane warning:
»
»Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
»
»Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
»
»Avoid elevators.
If at home: »
Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
Develop an emergency communication plan for you and your family in the event that you become seaparated. Learn more at:
http://72hours.dc.gov Review the DC Department of Transportation’s "Emergency Tips Brochure" for evacuation procedures at:
http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ On+Your+Street/Traffic+Management/ Emergency+Preparedness/Transportation+Tip s+During+An+Emergency+Incident
For up to date information on the storm’s position and current predictions, go to:
http://www.nws.gov
Keep informed on the District’s response to the storm, alerts, and updates by following on Twitter:
@DC_HSEMA or @MayorVinceGray
MPD EXPANDS SOCIAL NETWORKING EFFORTS
The Metropolitan Police Department joined other District agencies this week in launching its Twitter feed for residents, businesses, visitors and others interested in keeping informed about the latest information and alerts from public safety officials in the District of Columbia. By choosing to "follow" the tweets from MPD’s account — which is "DCPoliceDept" — subscribers have access to the latest alerts and information about road closures and police activity that may affect their commute, updates and descriptions of suspects wanted for violent offenses, releases about closed cases, and more.
Chief Cathy L. Lanier launched the service "to get pertinent information out to the public quickly." In addition to the MPD’s presence on Facebook, launched in 2009, Twitter offers the Department another means of communicating and providing timely information as necessary. Command staff have been trained in the use of the tool and have already begun using it to provide quick reports on vehicle accidents, links to boating safety information and laws, a reminder about National Night Out, and more. Join the other nearly-200 followers today!
To stay up to date on current activities and alerts from the Metropolitan Police Department, follow us on Twitter:
If you would like to join the conversation on Facebook, become a fan at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington- Metropolitan-Police-Dept/41218705255
FBI Launches Child ID App.
FBI Launches Child ID App. A new free tool from the Federal Bureau of Investigation is designed to help parents keep a convenient elecronic copy of their child’s vital information handy on their smart phone. The new app — "Child ID" — is currently available for iPhone with versions in the works for other mobile platforms soon. A child goes missing every 40 seconds in America. Help protect your child with this convenient, free tool.
23 August, 2011
Earthquake in the Metropolitan Area
United States Geological Survey reports an earthquake in the Metropolitan Area registering at 5.9 on the Richter Scale. Small aftershocks reported. As safety measure if experiencing please take cover under a desk, table, bed or door frames. Stay clear of windows and other glass. Please stay put. If you are outdoors find areas clear of buildings. Stay tuned to radio and tv news updates.
18 August, 2011
9/11 memorial motorcycle ride
Fairfax CEAN reports: On Friday afternoon, major traffic delays are expected on the Dulles Toll Road, Dulles Airport Access Highway, I-66 East and the Beltway due to a 9/11 memorial motorcycle ride, according to the Virginia State Police. Commuters should expect very significant traffic delays in the afternoon, especially during rush hour.
I-66 eastbound will be closed between the Beltway and Route 110 southbound as the riders pass through. Traffic on I-66 East will be diverted onto I-495. The on-ramps onto I-66 East also will be closed between Fairfax and Arlington County.
Connector Bus service will be affected for the routes that serve the Crystal City, Pentagon, West Falls Church and Vienna and Metro stations. For more detailed information, visit this Connector Web page. Information also will be posted on Connector’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Significant delays are expected for people traveling eastbound on the Dulles Toll Road and for all motorists leaving Dulles Airport, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. For more detailed information about ramp and lane closures, read MWAA’s advisory (pdf). Tomorrow, MWAA will be posting status updates on their Twitter feed.
An anticipated 1,800 motorcyclists will travel from Route 15 in Loudoun County to the Dulles Greenway to the Dulles Toll Road to I-66 East, exiting onto Route 110 South.
Riders are expected to enter Loudoun County beginning at approximately 2 p.m.
For more information about road closures and traffic impacts, read the Virginia State Police traffic advisory (pdf). The state police also have posted a map showing the route for the memorial ride.
I-66 eastbound will be closed between the Beltway and Route 110 southbound as the riders pass through. Traffic on I-66 East will be diverted onto I-495. The on-ramps onto I-66 East also will be closed between Fairfax and Arlington County.
Connector Bus service will be affected for the routes that serve the Crystal City, Pentagon, West Falls Church and Vienna and Metro stations. For more detailed information, visit this Connector Web page. Information also will be posted on Connector’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Significant delays are expected for people traveling eastbound on the Dulles Toll Road and for all motorists leaving Dulles Airport, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. For more detailed information about ramp and lane closures, read MWAA’s advisory (pdf). Tomorrow, MWAA will be posting status updates on their Twitter feed.
An anticipated 1,800 motorcyclists will travel from Route 15 in Loudoun County to the Dulles Greenway to the Dulles Toll Road to I-66 East, exiting onto Route 110 South.
Riders are expected to enter Loudoun County beginning at approximately 2 p.m.
For more information about road closures and traffic impacts, read the Virginia State Police traffic advisory (pdf). The state police also have posted a map showing the route for the memorial ride.
12 August, 2011
Warning about Verizon Equipment
In light of recent incidents in which Verizon equipment has been tampered with in Washington, DC, the public should be aware of any suspicious activity that occurs at or around any Verizon equipment. Here are a few activities to be alert for:
1) There should be a marked Verizon vehicle present if an individual is working on a telephone box; orange cones should be present.
2) Non-Verizon vehicles should have signage indicating that their specific company is a contractor working on behalf of Verizon.
3) Be alert for activity at telephone equipment at off hours - Most service related activities will take place between the hours of 6AM-6PM.
4) Be alert for suspicious people. e.g., persons walking, on skates or on bikes (particularly any wearing red shirts) that stop at a telephone box, a cross connect box or fiber hub or other telephone facility and appear to be working on telephone equipment.
5) Be alert to someone carrying an ax, hatchet or cutting tool of any type including a scissors.
6) Be alert for someone who spends a very short time in an opened phone box.
7) All Verizon employees should be visibly displaying his/her company issued ID badge at worksites.
If you see any suspicious activity, please call 911 and give an accurate location, description of any persons or vehicles, and the suspicious activities being observed.
Thank you.
Cathy L. Lanier
Chief of Police
1) There should be a marked Verizon vehicle present if an individual is working on a telephone box; orange cones should be present.
2) Non-Verizon vehicles should have signage indicating that their specific company is a contractor working on behalf of Verizon.
3) Be alert for activity at telephone equipment at off hours - Most service related activities will take place between the hours of 6AM-6PM.
4) Be alert for suspicious people. e.g., persons walking, on skates or on bikes (particularly any wearing red shirts) that stop at a telephone box, a cross connect box or fiber hub or other telephone facility and appear to be working on telephone equipment.
5) Be alert to someone carrying an ax, hatchet or cutting tool of any type including a scissors.
6) Be alert for someone who spends a very short time in an opened phone box.
7) All Verizon employees should be visibly displaying his/her company issued ID badge at worksites.
If you see any suspicious activity, please call 911 and give an accurate location, description of any persons or vehicles, and the suspicious activities being observed.
Thank you.
Cathy L. Lanier
Chief of Police
06 August, 2011
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