The Fourth of July is a time for celebration and community. With the influx of large numbers of people in and around the Foggy Bottom Campus, the following are recommended precautions for a safe and enjoyable holiday:

• Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the celebration on the National Mall, just a few blocks south of the campus. Many of those attending will pass through campus. This increase in traffic around campus means normal traffic flow may be disrupted. Residents, faculty, and staff coming to the area should anticipate travel delays. Those planning to be on campus should plan to arrive early, depart early, and approach campus from the north.
• The number of people using public transportation will increase markedly, and significant delays and crowding should be expected. Metro passengers using the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station, and some using the Farragut West Station, will walk through campus.
• Once the fireworks have ended, the crowd will depart almost all at once. Metro stations and roads will become clogged quickly, so be patient and consider waiting for the heavy crowds to disperse before attempting to drive or take the Metro.

Of particular importance to the safety and security of the GW community:

• If you come to or live on campus on the Fourth of July, please take special care to be sure that doors close and lock behind you as you arrive and depart.
• Do not allow strangers into GW buildings - GW restrooms are not public access areas.
• Residents, faculty, and staff coming to campus should carry identification and door keys or GWorld cards with them at all times.
• If trouble occurs, your safest place is inside one of GW's buildings until normal conditions return.
• UPD and Facilities Management personnel will be available if required.

If you choose to view the fireworks from the National Mall, please:

• Anticipate vigilant scrutiny of attendees and the packages they carry. If you go to the National Mall, travel light.
• Be prepared for adverse weather. Safe havens have been established for sheltering large numbers of people; however, you may not be permitted to bring packages into the safe havens. Again, travel light.

Emergency information can always be found on the Campus Advisories Web site or by calling the University information line at (202) 994-5050. If appropriate, advisories will be sent using Alert DC or GW Alert.