National Park Service photo by Chalice Keith

Hello Neighbors:

As we head into the holiday weekend, I wanted to share some helpful information about staying safe and well with the resources we have available across the District.

Reminder that there will be no trash, recycling, or food waste pickup tomorrow, July 4. Collection will take place on Saturday. And all summer long, through September 5, DPW is starting collection at 5:30 am because of higher temperatures.

Wishing everyone a safe and fun Independence Day weekend.

Fireworks safety  

Fourth of July is a time to celebrate, but it’s also the time with the most complaints about illegal fireworks. Most fireworks are illegal in D.C. You can report the use of illegal fireworks or fireworks related complaints to the Fire Marshal’s Office at (202) 727-1614 or [email protected].

Here are some safety tips from FEMS:

Don’t buy or use illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks include:   

• Any firework that moves or shoots a projectile  

• Any firework that explode such as firecrackers, cherry bombs, salutes, and roman candles.  

• Any firework that emit sparks of flame greater than 12 feet.  

• Avoid buying fireworks from individuals selling them from their personal vehicles, gym bags, or back packs. 

• Any person found engaging in the use or possession of illegal fireworks in the District of Columbia will have the products confiscated and could face fines and penalties starting at $2,000.  

Only buy approved legal fireworks from a licensed retailer or vendor. Legal fireworks include: 

• Sparklers less than 20 inches in length, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps.  

Tips on how to safely use legal fireworks:  

• Never allow children to light or play with fireworks.  

• Be sure other people and structures are clear (50 feet) before lighting fireworks.  

• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from flammable materials.  

• Use longer lighting devices (A grill lighter is a good choice) 

• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. 

• Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.  

Stay safe as temperatures rise 

On days that the heat index forecast reaches 95 degrees, DC Government opens cooling centers. Find a cooling center near you. 

Ready DC advises everyone to stay hydrated, wear loose clothing and sunscreen, and check on seniors, neighbors, and pets.

For unsheltered residents in need of free, accessible transportation to a day center or low-barrier shelter, call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. 

If you see an animal left outside or in a vehicle on a hot day, call the Humane Rescue Alliance's Humane Law Enforcement team at 202-888-7387 ext. 1. 

Stay cool in the pool

All adult outdoor pools operate on individual summer schedules, six days a week. Children's pools are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Find full hours and location information on DPR's website.

All DPR adult outdoor pools will be open tomorrow, Friday, July 4 from 10 am - 6 pm, including Banneker Pool (2500 Georgia Ave NW) in Ward 1. Children's pools will be closed on July 4. 

Check DPR SPLASH for real-time updates on pool closures and at-capacity locations. 

Get help with utility bills

With costs and temperatures rising, there are resources available for help with utility bills. 

• Apply for the Utility Bill Discount Program with the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment. 

• Find assistance with PEPCO, DC Water, or Washington Gas. 

• Contact the Office of the People’s Counsel for other assistance and advice on utility issues.