DPR opens buildings that were inspected overnight and continues to assess remaining facilities for structural soundness.

EOM Contact: Linda Wharton Boyd,(202) 727-5011
DPR Contact: John Stokes, (202) 288-7275

WASHINGTON, DC – Today the District of Columbia government will open and employees are expected to report on time. DC Public Schools will be closed as assessments of all schools continue.

Recreation centers will open with normal operations. All recreation facilities that have activities starting at 6:00am have been inspected and cleared for occupancy and use. Facilities that open at noon will be inspected by the scheduled opening time. Any closures will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Residents needing assistance should call 311. If there is an emergency, they should call 911. MPD released the following tips for residents:

• An earthquake of today's magnitude may break gas, electrical, and water lines.
•  If you smell gas, you should open window shut off the main gas valve, and do not turn any electrical appliances or lights on or off. Report suspected gas leaks immediately to 9-1-1 and leave the building. Once you have exited your building, do not re-enter the building until a utility official has declared it safe for entry.
• Should you experience electrical wire shortages, shut off the main breaker box.
• If water pipes are damaged, shut off the supply at the main valve to avoid household floods.
• Those with chimneys should have them inspected for cracks and damages.
• Should you have to relocate due to safety concerns, if possible, collect all family vital documents and any needed medications. Be sure to check on elderly neighbors and report to our Yahoo Police Groups any suspicious activity.

Background: Yesterday the entire Mid-Atlantic region experienced an earthquake. Preliminary reports from the U.S. Geological Survey indicate that it measured magnitude 5.9 on the Richter scale. The earthquake caused a great deal of disruption to the government work activities and commutes home. I along with our extended public-safety team have been working since yesterday and throughout the night assessing the situation and its impact.

After a thorough review of District government office buildings for structural soundness and other life safety concerns, it has been determined that our buildings are safe. All employees can report to work on time.

Mayor will provide additional updates at his weekly press briefly this morning at 10:00 am at the John Wilson Building in Room G-9.