Try to avoid going into Washington, D.C this week, if you can.
With 13 Metro stations closed in the downtown, Washington, D.C. area and many road closures in place to create a secure environment for Wednesday’s Presidential Inauguration, avoiding the District is the best idea.
Snowplows and police are blocking most exits from I-395 and other arteries into the District, preventing cars and people from accessing areas around the Capitol building and the White House.
Alexandria City officials are encouraging residents to avoiding gatherings and watch the Inauguration live on television from home Wednesday at noon.
“The past year has been unlike any other in many ways,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. “What hasn’t changed is that every four years, America recognizes the democratic transition of power from one presidential term to the next. Because we are still in an active public health emergency and a federal state of emergency, this observance will take place individually rather than in crowds. Our public safety teams are working diligently to protect us, but they need our help to make good choices. This year, more than ever, the most patriotic thing we can do is keep each other safe.”
In addition, due to concerns about violence in the region by some who may protest the transfer of power, Alexandria has activated its Emergency Operations Center. The EOC will monitor for any issues and coordinate response activities as needed. “The Alexandria Police Department is evaluating intelligence information and preparing necessary staffing for a variety of potential security scenarios. There are currently no known threats specific to Alexandria. Alexandria’s public safety departments are collaborating with federal, state and local partners in the region, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, on preparations to provide assistance to each other under mutual aid agreements,” according to a City of Alexandria release.
Local hotels are working with Visit Alexandria on various security concerns from visitors, and Airbnb has canceled many homeshares in the area, refunding both hosts and visitors.
Anyone who observes suspicious activity should call or text 911 immediately. Suspicious activity may include unusual items or situations; civilians dressed in military-style uniforms or tactical gear, or driving military-style vehicles; large amounts or sizes of luggage; or discussions of planned violence.
City of Alexandria Schedule of Services
Residential refuse and recycling will not be collected on Monday, Jan. 18, which means collection services will be delayed by one day this week: Monday’s collection will be on Tuesday; Tuesday’s collection will be on Wednesday; Wednesday's collection will be on Thursday; and Thursday’s collection will be on Friday.
Alsoon Wednesday, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will be closed for business. For an animal emergency or wildlife concern, call 703-746-4444. Libraries will also be closed (including for curbside pick-up services).
Most parking enforcement will be suspended, except in designated no parking zones. According to city officials: “This suspension of enforcement applies only to the restrictions at legal parking spaces and does not permit parking in any location normally prohibited (for example, no-parking zones, loading zones or spaces for persons with disabilities).”
Most Alexandria recreation centers will be closed on Wednesday, except Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility and the Charles Houston and Patrick Henry Recreation Centers, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Torpedo Factory Art Center will be closed open Wednesday.
Closed: Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Alexandria Circuit Court, Alexandria General District Court, and Alexandria Juvenile Court and Domestic Relations District Court.
