D.C. is preparing for a major America 250 celebration.
Temperatures are expected to top 100°, and there will be dozens of restrictions for pedestrians, traffic and anyone who wants to watch fireworks on the National Mall.
Downtown D.C. will be a maze of restrictions, so know before you go. A map shows restricted areas where no one can go, along with streets that will be fully closed. Restrictions run all the way from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.
In some areas, everyone will have to go through a magnetometer. There will be two entry points on 14th Street, at Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue. The screening area opens Saturday at 1 p.m.
Go here for the full version of the map.
Restricted items include large bags and backpacks, coolers, firearms and weapons of any kind. Go here to see the full list of prohibited items.
Heat and hydration are concerns, as Storm Team4 forecasts triple-digit temperatures.
“Everybody in the organizing event has worked from the beginning to make sure that there is hydration inside the secure areas, so people can be hydrated before they get there and maintain their hydration throughout. If nothing else, that is the most important takeaway,” D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said.
There will be misting areas inside the secure zone, and first aid tents will be set up. EMTs will work in the area on bikes.
Metro
Everyone heading to the Mall is urged to take public transit. Metro will be free to ride on July 4 from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. the next morning.
“A lot of people are going to be using Metro to stay cool. It could be some of our law enforcement partners during the day, but we really expect to run really cool, safe service for people,” Metro General Manager Randy Clarke said.
“We need people to bring their patience, listen to directions of our staff or law enforcement partners, and we’ll safely get you in and get you out where you are going,” he said.
The Secret Service said the capacity for the secure zone on the Mall is about 150,000 people.
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