DC safely welcomes millions of visitors each year to the nation’s capital. Here is some helpful information as well as links and important phone numbers.
When in Public Areas
- Always be mindful of your belongings. Thieves look for opportunities in busy places with distractions such as a crowd or retail areas.
- Protect your electronics, jewelry, and cash by not displaying them, either on your person or in your parked vehicle. If you must leave them in your car, lock them in your trunk or glove compartment. In a pinch, hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view.
- Use ATMs in daylight hours in well-populated areas. If you notice anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and go to another ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings when using your cell phone in public; don't give thieves the chance to run up and steal your phone right out of your hand!
- Don't wear expensive jewelry as you're walking out and about. Or keep it at home.
- Carry shoulder bags or other hand-bags under your arm, not by the handle. Do not hang your purse over the back of a chair. Men should carry their wallets in their front pocket.
- Know where you’re going. Get a map, use an app, plan your route ahead time.
- Ignore panhandlers.
Safety and Security While Staying in a Hotel
- When you leave or enter your room, check the room’s door to ensure that it is locked and secured. Use the extra security locks on the door when available.
- Place all valuables in your hotel room safe; or with the hotel front desk (be sure to keep an inventory of what was deposited).
- Never prop open your door for any reason, this allows thieves easy access to you and your belongings.
- Never open your hotel room door unless you know who is there. If you didn't expect hotel services, call to verify they should be at your door. Don't invite strangers to your room.
- Hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the outside doorknob and leave a light or TV on while away.
- Be aware of unsolicited food/business flyers left at your hotel door. Immediately notify hotel security if you receive any of these items at or inside your room.
- Keep your luggage locked at all times.
- Hotel management will never ask for a credit card number or personal information over the phone after you've checked in. Never give any credit card number or personal information over the phone.
- If you see something suspicious, immediately call hotel security.
- Inquire at the front desk about safe places to eat, shop, walk, or jog etc.
- Know the location of the fire escapes, elevators and emergency exits.
- Report any lost or stolen items to hotel management and to the police.
- Confirm with hotel staff the correct Wi-Fi network before connecting devices.
Get Notified in Case of an Emergency
DC’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) leads the planning and coordination of homeland security and emergency management efforts to ensure that the District of Columbia is prepared. HSEMA is a resource for:
- Information about emergency evacuations. There are 19 evacuation routes out of the city. Look for marked signs or find a route based on your location.
- AlertDC, the District’s emergency notification system. Visitors and residents can sign up to receive alerts via email or text message. Tune in to Cable Channels 13, 16, or local news to also receive updates.
Contact
If you are being harassed by someone you don’t know or feel threatened, please contact security or call the police.
Non-Emergency – Call 3-1-1
Emergency – Immediately Call 9-1-1