Pools to stay open to 9 pm as part of the District Emergency Heat Plan.

(WASHINGTON, DC) The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will extend the hours of seven of its twenty outdoor public swimming pools (one in each ward, excluding Ward 3) while the District implements its multi-agency emergency heat plan in response to the forecast of a 95 degree and higher heat index for the week. The heat plan is implemented when the heat index (an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the effects of humidity are added to high temperatures) reaches 95°. Click here for a listing of the city's 20 outdoor swimming pools.

Each of the seven extended-hour swimming pools will open at 10:00 am and close at 9:00 pm. The District's additional 10 outdoor, 15 walk-to-learn, and 10 indoor swimming pools will remain on their normal schedule. In addition, normally scheduled closings for maintenance will be suspended during the heat plan.

"We are taking these steps in order to serve the needs of the public," said Neil Albert, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. "Any relief and comfort that we can offer the citizens from the extreme heat we will provide."

Mr. Albert said the very young and the very old are at greatest risk during heat emergencies. Persons with compromised immune systems and individuals who take certain types of medication should also exercise caution. The heat emergency plan is designed to provide relief to these most vulnerable segments of our population.

For more information about the District's 2001 emergency heat plan and a complete list of cooling centers, street shower locations, and public swimming pools, visit the DCEMA web site at dcema.dc.gov.