Washington D.C. Warnings Or Dangers Tips by b1bob

Sharpshooters Heightened Security Review

For the inauguration and other high-level Washington events, various agencies in the Department of Homeland Security station sharpshooters atop buildings adjacent to the parade route. For every one you can see, there may be as many as 5 you can't. I missed this, but I hear some of the more rowdy protesters threw grapefruits and snowballs at the presidential limousine, actually denting the paint job. Luckily, it only caused the president a Maaco (auto body refinishing shop) moment and, from the point of view of the protesters, the sharpshooters didn't feel the need to react in a way they know best. Some of them were arrested, however.

Detours and roadblocks Heightened Security Review

At first glance from the included photo of the Metrobus, you would think this should be a transportation tip. However, said Metrobus was used to block off a road near the MCI Centre, which I later found out was the site of one of the inaugural balls.

Detours and roadblocks don't only occur in Washington on Inauguration Day, but oftentimes, motorcades of visiting foreign dignitaries and other VIPs can cause these inconveniences. However, Inauguration Day has things out of kilter for a longer period of time.

For 20 January 2005, certain key roads were cordoned off and two metro stations Archives and Smithsonian were completely closed for hours on end for just security reasons. I guess folks who live here are able to take inaugurations and the occasional motorcade in stride, but it makes it tough to organise a VT meeting.

Heightened Security Heightened Security Review

This, being the first inaugural since the 11 September 2001 disasters, security was said to be tighter than Kirstie Alley (a festively plump actress) in Spandex. I have already gone over the detours and roadblocks, but those with tickets to the inaugural ceremony had to undergo security scrutiny that was reputed to be tough. Backpacks, larger bags, and a few common sense things were prohibited (where they were permitted before), but, really, security scrutiny at the entrance tent was no worse than that undergone at the airport at that point in time. The included photo does not show the security tent itself for obvious reasons- just the sign for my allocated area.

A little common sense Neighborhood Watch Review

Although crime has gone down in the District, there are some parts of the city through which you wouldn't feel safe even in a Sherman tank. If you stick to the touristy areas, you should be fine, though. In all places, mind your belongings carefully. Wear a neck wallet to keep your money and make it hard for pickpockets. If you carry a backpack like I did last time I was in town, keep it with you at all times. Mind your surroundings, look back and make sure nobody is trying to steal it. When you are sitting at a table at a restaurant or standing at a phone booth, straddle the bag firmly between your feet and legs so you can possibly retrieve it if somebody tries to steal it.