January 15, 1999
Weather-related Emergency Contact Information
Mayor Anthony A. Williams today announced that District of Columbia citizens experiencing weather-related emergencies should call the Mayor's Command Center at (202) 727-6161 for assistance.
"As of 1:30 p.m. PEPCO has reported that more than 6,100 District residents are without power," said Mayor Williams. "I've been reassured that our government is ready to respond in this emergency situation. We are particularly concerned about providing assistance to frail senior citizens and others at risk due to serious disabilities."
The Mayor has reviewed the City's emergency response plan and is confident that agencies are working cooperatively to respond to residents' needs.
"I am working closely with the Mayor's Emergency Management Team, which includes Department of Human Services, the Office on Aging, the Police Department, Fire-EMS, DC Public Schools, the District of Columbia Housing Authority, and Public Works, to make sure that we have the staff and communications systems in place to respond quickly and efficiently to citizen needs," said Sam Jordan, director of the D.C. Emergency Management Agency.
"We are working closely with the Community Partnership to ensure that families and individuals at risk of hypothermia will be taken care of during a weather emergency or extended power outage," said Jearline Williams, Director of Department of Human Services.
The Mayor is concerned about public safety this evening when the temperature drops and trees and roads begin to refreeze. He encourages people to drive safely and use extra caution in traveling by car or on foot.
