Wind Advisory Issued for Montgomery County, 9/23 From 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Montgomery County on September 23 from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. Expect wind gusts greater than 40 mph.

In the event of loss of power, please notify PEPCO.

It is also recommended that you secure any loose items outside that could be blown away with strong winds, clear any areas around the home that allow for water runoff, and be prepared for fallen trees and power outages.

For any storm-related emergencies, including any injury, tree into a structure, or downed power lines that could still be electrified, call 911.

To report trees down in the roadway blocking traffic, call the Takoma Park Police Department at the non-emergency number, 301-270-1100.

For power outages and to check estimated restoration times, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662 or visit their power outage webpage at https://www.pepco.com/Outages/CheckOutageStatus

To report downed branches and other debris in the public right of way – roadways or sidewalks – contact Takoma Park Public Works at publicworks@takomaparkmd.gov or 301-891-7633.

For issues with cable lines or internet, call your service provider.

MOCO EMERGENCY HEAT ALERT: Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Montgomery County has issued a Heat Emergency Alert beginning 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. 

Montgomery County has activated a Hyperthermia Alert for extreme heat for Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Expect the heat index to be above 95 degrees. Stay hydrated. Take precautions to protect yourself & pets from heat-related illnesses: https://ow.ly/XVka50PHyPM

Don’t forget your pets!  If you see an animal outside who appears to be in danger, call the Animal Services Division at 301-279-8000.

To beat the heat, please note the following days and times Takoma Park facilities are open to the public:

Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, 2nd Floor
8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Monday – Thursday
8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday

Recreation Center, 7315 New Hampshire Avenue
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Saturday
Closed on Sunday

Library, 7505 New Hampshire Avenue
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday – Thursday
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Friday – Sunday

For more information, tips, and facilities throughout Montgomery County, please visit:  https://montgomerycountymd.gov/OPI/alerts/Heat.html.

 

 

Holiday Closure: Labor Day

 

City Offices and Facilities will be closed on Sunday, September 3, and Monday, September 4, in observance of Labor Day.

Holiday collection schedule changes are available on the Holiday Collection Schedule page.

As is always the case, the Takoma Park Police Department is available for emergency services 24/7.

Extreme Heat Alert, Monday, August 21 from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

A Hyperthermia Alert has been issued for Montgomery County for today, Monday, August 21 from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Please take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones against heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.  To beat the heat, please note the following days and times Takoma Park facilities are open to the public:

Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, 2nd Floor
8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Monday – Thursday
8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday

Recreation Center, 7315 New Hampshire Avenue
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Saturday
Closed on Sunday

Library, 7505 New Hampshire Avenue
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday – Thursday
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Friday – Sunday

For more information, tips and facilities throughout Montgomery County, please visit:  https://montgomerycountymd.gov/OPI/alerts/Heat.html

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT: NWS TORNADO WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 9PM MONDAY AUGUST 7 – PLEASE STAY ALERT TO CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS

 

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Montgomery County until 9:00 PM.

Be alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued.  Tornadoes can form from severe thunderstorms with little or no advanced warning. Know your safe room in your home, at school, and at work.  If driving and a tornado is spotted, leave your car immediately and move to shelter or a low lying area. Do not use highway overpasses as shelters. Remain alert for the issuance of warnings.

The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement. Fit under a work bench or other piece of sturdy furniture. If no basement is available, seek shelter on the lowest floor in a hallway or closet. Use blankets or pillows to cover your body and always stay away from windows.  Evacuate mobile homes and vehicles immediately. Do not use highway overpasses as shelters. If no shelter is available, lie flat in the nearest ditch or other low spot and cover your head with your hands.   Do not wait to hear or see a tornado before you take action. Tornadoes that form at night and those that are rain wrapped may not be visible. Seek safe shelter!

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The DMV area is at a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms late this afternoon into the evening. This is very rare. It is very important to pay attention to weather details today and have a way to receive storm warnings.  As more information is received it will be sent out.

Code Red – Unhealthy Air Forecast Issued Today for the D.C. Region

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) forecasts a Code Red air day for the metropolitan Washington region: Thursday, June 29. Code Red levels mean the air is unhealthy for everyone. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada is contributing to the increased levels of fine particle pollution.

COG advises the following health precautions:

  • Sensitive groups like people with heart or lung disease like asthma or emphysema, older adults, and children should avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.
  • Healthy individuals should limit long or intense outdoor activities.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COGs or Clean Air Partners’ websites.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency also recommends the following during wildfire events:

  • Take it easier during smoky times. If you can see or smell smoke, avoid strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or going for a run.
  • Reschedule outdoor work tasks and activities to a time when air quality improves. If outdoor tasks and activities cannot be rescheduled and must be conducted when air quality is poor, it is recommended that individuals reduce smoke inhalation by:
    • Limiting the time spent outdoors by only performing essential activities.
    • Taking frequent breaks indoors in places where the air is clean, especially during periods with high outdoor levels of wildfire smoke.
    • If you must work outdoors, choosing a mask that will protect you like an N95 respirator mask. Cloth masks will not protect you from wildfire smoke.
    • Using a portable air cleaner in one or more rooms. If you have a central air system in your home, use it to filter the air.

On unhealthy air days, COG advises the following actions to improve the air:

  • Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
  • Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
  • Fill your vehicles’ gas tank after sunset.
  • Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
  • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

COG provides air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions for metropolitan Washington. It also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Community Center Update

All plumbing issues have been resolved, and the building status has returned to normal. Some Recreation programs were impacted today.

The Recreation Department Updates for today (Tuesday, January 24) regarding Community Center programs:

  • Afternoon Addition is canceled for the day;
  • the Game Room and Teen Lounge will open at the regular time for drop-in activities;
  • evening classes will continue as scheduled.

All programs will be on schedule for tomorrow (Wednesday, January 25)

 

Holiday Closure: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

 

City offices and facilities will be closed on Sunday, January 15, and Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Monday yard trimming collection is canceled—see the collection schedule on the Holiday Collection Schedule page.

The Takoma Park Police Department is open 24/7 for emergency services.