Washington D.C. Warnings Or Dangers Tips by deecat

A Friendly Reminder of What To Avoid

"Courage is the capacity to confront what can be imagined..." Leo Rosten

f you avoid the following, I think you will be a much happier traveler in Washington DC.

1. Escalator Anger There are many escalators in Washington, and they are long. The locals often become angry when their way is blocked...So, allow people to get past you by standing single file and to the right.

2. Street Crime Alertness is your greatest protection from street crime. Thieves count on surprising you so don't carry large amounts of cash or valuables. WEAR A MONEY BELT. Keep a record of your credit card numbers & phone numbers of credit card issuers (in a place that is safe and not on you personally!f)

3. Bad Weather In July & August in DC, the humidity is a big problem. So, Walk slowly, drink lots of fluids, or don't visit during those months!

4. Dangerous Areas Because tourist zones are safe day & night, stay in them. Do not go to destinations outside these areas, and NEVER at night.

5. Exhaustion Because the Mall is so open and can make distances appear shorter than they are, which will tire you out. Research the distances BEFORE you start out...for instance, from the Smithsonian metro station to the Capitol & back is 5 miles!

6.Throwing Away Metro Farecard You must have a Metrorail farecard both to enter & to leave, so don't throw it away after getting on your train!

Be Aware of Heightened Security in Washington DC Heightened Security Review

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear--not absence of fear." Mark Twain

Just a friendly warning to let you know that since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack in New York, security has been "beefed up" here in Washington. You will need a government issued photo ID to enter some office buildings, most public buildings, and some entertainment facilities.

When visiting memorials and public buildings, you are prohibited from carrying aerosol and non-aerosol sprays, cans and bottles, food, knives of any sort, (or other sharp objects), and large backpacks are forbidden. Purses and backpacks and packages will be searched.

Because of this "clampdown", Whitehouse Tours are now limited to school groups, veterans groups, and school-age groups. And, these tours must be requested by writing your congressperson (U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515) or senator (U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510).

The Permanent Exhibition of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum requires advance planning. You may reserve tickets through ProTix (800/400-9373) up to 3 months in advance. (small fee) At the 14th Street entrance of the museum you may pick up your tickets at "Will Call".

The only area of the State Department open to visitors is the Diplomatic Reception Rooms on guided tours and only if you make reservations in advance. No walk-ins or standbys!

The newly facelifted Washington Monument has a limited number of set-time tickets for those who called way in advance (small fee). But free tickets are given away on a first-come basis each day beginning at 8 am.