Monday, November 4, 2024
While parts of Washington, D.C. — the U.S. Capitol, White House and Naval Observatory —prepare for Election Day by erecting fencing and boarding up windows and doors, Georgetown is not doing anything so overtly defensive. There are a few businesses in downtown D.C. that have gone the plywood route. No credible threats have been reported, according to the authorities.
Still, Election Day anxiety is apparent in the nation’s capital. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith held an afternoon press conference, after participating in a morning interfaith prayer service at Shiloh Baptist Church. All city services are prepared for any protests or celebrations that break the law, Bowser and Smith said.
There are street closures and security measures being put in place for Vice President Kamala Harris’s election night rally at Howard University.
For neighborhood businesses, the following are words of advice from the Georgetown Business Improvement District.
“As the election approaches, we understand that safety is of top concern to our members. According to D.C. officials, there are no current credible threats associated with the election in D.C.
“Based on the city’s experience with civil unrest in 2020, the Mayor and Police Chief have stated they will not tolerate lawlessness in 2024, and Mayor Bowser is not recommending boarding windows or doors at this time. However, some businesses plan to board up as they did in 2020. Unfortunately, boarding up when there is not a credible threat to the neighborhood sends a message that Georgetown is not safe and leads to more and more businesses doing the same thing. Therefore, we recommend that you get prepared in case a threatening situation arises, but do not implement your plan unless necessary.
“Consider these options to be prepared:
“Have a plan to remove valuable inventory to a safe off-site location. During high-alert days (see the document we’ve linked to below for those days), also remove combustibles, and items out of display cases during non-business hours.
“Have brown paper and blue painters tape onsite to quickly cover windows from the inside so it looks like the location is vacant.
“Have your entire staff trained on your communication plan and know who to contact at the city to report any disorder. Report suspicious behavior to 911, 311, or iWatchdc.org and/or loose bricks or construction debris to cyoung@georgetowndc.com.
“If you’re viewing a protest, do not antagonize anyone. Stay away from windows to avoid injury if objects are thrown into your location.
“Contact a contractor who can come onsite quickly to install plywood if needed. We suggest Kenny Eggerl with Manor Hill Production (202-256-3923), Jenn with Cann Construction (202-359-4447), or Mike Rosen with MJ Design and Build (703-587-6802). You can schedule a visit with any of them and receive a proposal that will include the purchase, installation and removal of plywood. Your business will be responsible for paying them directly.
“The BID has asked the city to organize forward deployment of plywood supplies in the unlikely event that it becomes needed so contractors can quickly and affordably access resources in the neighborhood. This request has not yet been acted on so for the time being, contractors and businesses will be responsible for getting their own supplies. We will let you know if this changes.
“In addition to the above guidance, please review this document for additional preparedness tips and resources, and key dates to be aware of in the coming months.”