WASHINGTON — Winter weather Monday night and into Tuesday morning is expected to reach life-threatening temperatures and wind chill, and localities are activating hypothermia programs.
Typically between November and March, people who need shelter from dangerous weather have access to warming centers, homeless shelters and emergency housing.
In D.C., “low barrier” shelters allow anyone entry regardless of whether they’re on a waiting list, participating in a program or otherwise getting city services.
To alert authorities someone may be at risk and needs help, calling 311 works in D.C., Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
Arlington County has 25 winter hypothermia prevention beds in its new Homeless Services Center that opened last fall.
In Fairfax County, 55 emergency sites include mostly churches, synagogues, and mosques, where people also can be offered county services.
Last winter, hundreds of people seeking to escape the cold in Fairfax County received county services to help them work toward self-sufficiency.
Sixty-four were able to transition into housing, according to the county website.
