It’s been an unusually cold and snowy week for D.C.. Temperatures are expected to go up in a few days, but in the meantime, people who do not have a warm place to sleep are at increased risk of hypothermia.

Hypothermia alerts go into effect when the National Weather Service forecasts a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. In cases of precipitation, the alerts go into effect when the temperature is 40 degrees or lower.

A cold weather emergency D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser activated Monday has been extended through Sunday. More snow – about one to two inches – is expected overnight into Friday.

Around the region, most localities offer expanded shelter services during cases of extreme weather, and some offer services throughout the winter. Here are some of the services available in D.C. and surrounding counties.

D.C. 

During hypothermia season – which is Nov. 1 to April 15 in D.C. – the Homeless Services Hotline is available 24 hours a day. Transportation to shelter is also available 24/7 during hypothermia season. Residents seeking shelter for themselves or another individual can call the hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311. Those who are seeking shelter for another person should note the time, appearance, and location of the unhoused person.

There are also overnight warming sites at public buildings like libraries, recreation centers, and senior wellness centers. Low barrier shelters are available 24/7 and hypothermia overflow sites operate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Residents can find a map of all hypothermia shelters here.

Maryland

Montgomery County: Those seeking daytime warming centers can call the county’s 24 hour Homeless Resource Line at 240-907-2688 for a location. That number is also available to call for those who are concerned about an unhoused resident’s safety. Those seeking emergency shelter should call the Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 or go to 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.

The county says its Health and Human Services staff and community-based providers will continue outreach to unhoused residents to get them to shelter during extreme cold.

Prince George’s County: A 24-hour Homeless Resource Line is available at 1-888-731-0999 for those seeking emergency shelter. Residents concerned about the safety of someone unhoused can complete the online form linked here. The county’s Street Outreach Team will attempt to locate the individual and offer resources and support.

Virginia

Alexandria: The city offers winter shelter, or hypothermia shelter, from Nov. 1 through April 15. The shelters are open everyday from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., though opening times may be earlier in case of inclement weather conditions. Shelters are for families and individuals.

Arlington County: The county offers hypothermia shelter from November through March, and the Homeless Services Center offers 25 additional hypothermia beds throughout the winter. The Residential Program Center also has an additional 15 beds in cases of severe weather. Those seeking emergency shelter during the winter do not need to all in advance and can instead show up at the Homeless Services Center.

Fairfax County: The county’s Hypothermia Prevention Program began operating Dec. 1 and will be offering shelter to those in need through March 31. Hours vary by shelter but there are 24/7 shelters available. Residents can find a full list of shelters here.

The county urges residents who notice someone at risk of hypothermia to call 703-691-2131, a non-emergency police phone number.

Loudoun County: Hypothermia prevention shelter opened in November 2023 and will remain open through March 31. Shelter is open typically from 5 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. daily and is for single adults aged 18 and older. There are also three emergency shelters, each of which are geared toward specific groups. Residents can find more information here.