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Summer heat safety: cooling centers and how to check on neighbors

When the District issues a heat emergency, cooling centers open in libraries, recreation centers, and senior wellness centers. Locations are listed on the Find a Service page.

Check on older neighbors, keep pets indoors, and call 311 if you see someone in distress outdoors. Call 911 for medical emergencies.

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Written by the DCMayor Civic Desk — plain-language reporting on District news and services.

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More from the community.

Ward 5 community town hall set for May 22 at Lamond-Riggs Library

Residents can bring questions on housing, streets, and youth programs to an open evening session with agency staff.

Memorial Day holiday: which city services close and which stay open

Trash collection slides one day; libraries and DMV service centers are closed on Monday.

New 311 request categories added for sidewalk and alley lighting

You can now report a dark alley or broken sidewalk light as its own request type, which routes it faster.