Alexandria Police to Conduct Roaming DWI Enforcement Tonight!

On June 29, Alexandria police will conduct a roaming DWI enforcement effort to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers. The DWI crackdown will begin at 8:00 P.M. on Friday, June 29, and will continue until 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 30. Motorists will be stopped and drivers will be checked to assure that their abilities to drive have not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Chief of Police Earl L. Cook reminds drivers that the maximum penalty in Virginia for the first conviction for driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a 12-month suspension of driving privileges. In addition, there are mandatory jail terms associated with these offenses, depending upon the blood alcohol content of the driver. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administrative fees may apply as well.

For further details, please call the Public Information Office at 703.746.6600.

Excessive Heat Warning Issued for City of Alexandria

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the entire Washington, DC metropolitan region, including the City of Alexandria, until 9 p.m. today. The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices to reach 110-115 degrees. An Excessive Heat Watch will remain in effect through Saturday evening, and an extended heat wave could last through July 5. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat-related illnesses can occur.

For information on City facilities available as cooling centers, City pools, and tips on remaining healthy in the heat, visit http://alexandriava.gov/62490

Excessive Heat Watch Issued for the City of Alexandria

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for the entire Washington, DC metropolitan region, including the City of Alexandria, beginning on Friday morning. Excessive heat could last through July 5. On Friday, temperatures are expected to reach near 100 degrees. The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices to approach 110 degrees.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat-related illnesses can occur. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic ailments are usually the first to suffer from the heat. Heat exhaustion, cramps, or in extreme cases, heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions. During extended heat waves, people are advised to:

• stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun;
• drink plenty of water;
• wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing;
• check on neighbors that may be at risk or do not have access to air conditioning; and
• keep children and pets indoors.

Cooling Centers

A number of air-conditioned City facilities are available. Most City recreation centers are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on their locations, visit alexandriava.gov/RecreationCenters. All City libraries are open today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a complete listing of City libraries, visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Pools

The City’s Old Town (1609 Cameron St.) and Warwick (3301 Landover St.) swimming pools provide relief from the effects of excessive heat. For more information about these and other City pools, visit alexandriava.gov/Pools.
For more information on remaining healthy in the heat, visit alexandriava.gov/Health.

Get Ready For a Big Metrorail Fare Increase On Sunday (Video)

Kytja Weir at the Washington Examiner breaks down the numbers. Basically, the long distance riders will get hit the hardest.

*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* - Telegraph Road South Closed June 28 Overnight

Motorists strongly urged to use 

alternate routes to avoid significant delays

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project will continue its ongoing work in the Telegraph Road interchange with a complete overnight closure of Telegraph Road Southbound beginning Thursday, June 28 at 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. Friday morning, June 29. Variable message signs will be posted to alert drivers and provide detour information when necessary. This work will have impacts on local traffic, and motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.

Weather permitting, the scheduled work includes:

Thursday, June 28 OVERNIGHT from 10 pm. to 5 a.m. the next morning:

• Telegraph Road Southbound will be completely closed between Duke St. and Huntington Ave. The eastbound and westbound ramps from Duke Street to Telegraph Road South will be closed.
• Detour for Southbound from Duke Street East: Motorists should continue on Duke Street eastbound to U.S. Route 1 South to Huntington Ave. West to Telegraph Rd.
• Detour for Southbound from Duke Street West: Motorists should continue on Duke Street to Van Dorn Street South to the Outer Loop to Telegraph Road Southbound.
• The ramp from the Capital Beltway Inner Loop (I-95/495 South) to Telegraph Road Southbound will be closed.
• Inner Loop Detour: Motorists should continue on the Inner Loop to the Van Dorn Street exit, take the exit and proceed to the Outer Loop back to Telegraph Road.

Please use caution when traveling in this area. All construction-related work and dates are subject to change, depending on weather, material and contractor availability or other unforeseen conditions. Go to www.wilsonbridge.com for the latest traffic and project information.

DASH Bus Service Alert: 4th of July Holiday

If you take the bus to get around, DASH will be operating on a SUNDAY schedule for the Independence Day holiday on Wednesday, July 4, 2012.

For more information on DASH routes and schedules, visit www.dashbus.com.

Reminder: No Fireworks Allowed In Alexandria, Virginia

The Alexandria Fire Department reminds those who visit, live, and  work in the City of Alexandria that it is unlawful for any person to store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use or explode any fireworks (including sparklers) within the City limits.  The Fire Marshal will, at the owner's expense, seize and take all fireworks found in the City.  The above offenses are Class One misdemeanors in the City of Alexandria and are punishable by a $2,500 fine and/or up to 12 months in prison.  Fireworks violations may be reported to the Alexandria Fire Department at 703.746.5227 or the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.4444.

Decades of tragic experience have proved that fireworks are too dangerous to be used at home by amateurs.  Improper handling of fireworks and sparklers all too often results in injuries.  Some interesting statistics:

• In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks-related injuries.  (Source: CPSC’s NEISS)
• Half (52%) of the 2010 fireworks injuries were burns, while one-fifth (21%) were contusions and lacerations.
• Two of five (39%) people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
• Males accounted for 65% of the injuries.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• Sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for 43% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2010.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the many public displays.  Alexandrians can enjoy the excitement and beauty of fireworks at City-sponsored events.  These programs are presented by professionals working in compliance with City codes and ordinances.  For information on these events, call the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities special events line at 703.746.5592 or 703.746.5418.