Complete Guide to Restoration and Cleaning Services and the Main Attractions of Washington, D.C.

The US Capitol building

Washington, D.C. has been the capital of the United States since 1791 and it is located in the District of Columbia which is a federal district sanctioned by the U.S. Constitution. The District of Columbia includes land donated to the government by Maryland and Virginia so that Washington, D.C. is not located within any state. The metropolitan area around Washington, D.C. is the seventh largest in the United States and the commuter traffic from the surrounding states causes the population within the city to swell to over 1 million people on a typical weekday. Washington, D.C. is more than just the home of the U.S. federal government, it is also home to many important national monuments and museums commemorating important aspects of U.S. history.

Thunderstorms can occasionally cause flooding from the Potomac River

Washington, D.C is one of the nation’s busiest cities with a rather large population in and around the city. Homeowners and business owners in the area should be aware that there are professionals that work in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding communities providing disaster restoration and cleaning services for commercial and residential settings. The Washington, D.C. area is prone to adverse weather conditions throughout the year such as humidity, thunderstorms, snow, and occasional blizzards and tornadoes that can cause property damage to homes and buildings. If your property in Washington, D.C. sustains significant damage, do not hesitate to call a professional to help restore and repair the damage.

Protection from the Rain and Floods: Water Damage Restoration in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. experiences a humid climate for much of the year with rain and thunderstorms that can occasionally cause flooding from the Potomac River. If you have a home or business in Washington, D.C. that has sustained water damage from the weather, floods, or leaks from a pipe or fixture, contact a local water damage restoration professional immediately. Excess water is easily absorbed by building materials in a home or building which can cause the damage to spread very quickly. Water damage restoration professionals will stop the spread of the damage by removing the excess water or moisture and repairing the damages it has caused.

Action after the Fire: Fire Damage Restoration in Washington, D.C.

A fire is a terrible disaster that you should take steps to prevent but even with the most effective fire prevention, accidents still happen. Immediately after the fire is put out, it is important to begin the restoration process because soot will continue to settle and the corrosive byproducts will cause the soot damage and etchings to become permanent. The local fire damage restoration professionals in Washington, D.C. can help stop the spread of damage in your home or building and restore or repair the damage caused by the fire. They can also restore damage caused by smoke and remove the smoke odor from your building and furnishings.

Where It Grows It Spreads: Mold Remediation in Washington, D.C.

Mold is a most unwelcome sight in any home or building and all it needs to grow and spread is the right level of moisture and humidity along with a food source such as wood or drywall. The humid climate conditions of Washington, D.C. only contribute to the ideal environment for mold growth so it is important to take action right away. There are professionals in the Washington, D.C. area that can provide mold remediation services to homes and businesses. Mold can cause a variety of adverse health conditions as well as property damage so do not hesitate to call a local mold removal specialist.

The Washington, D.C. area may experience an average snowfall of about 15 inches.

Hot Summers and Cold Winters: Washington, D.C. Weather

Washington, D.C. experiences all four seasons from hot and humid summers to cold, snowy winters. The summers have an average temperature of 80 degrees with a relatively high humidity level that can cause thunderstorms and even the occasional tornado. The average temperatures are more moderate during the fall and spring seasons but drop to an average of about 38 degrees in the winter. The Washington, D.C. area may experience many nights below freezing during the winter as well as an average snowfall of about 15 inches.

The high humidity level and proximity to the east coast does make Washington, D.C. prone to several types of severe weather. Washington, D.C. has blizzards about every few years that can be brought on by huge wind storms from the north known as “nor’easters.” These “nor’easters” can also bring in strong winds and heavy rain during the other seasons, contributing to property damage and flooding of the Potomac River. Sometimes even the remnants of a hurricane can reach the area but Washington, D.C. is far enough inland that the storm is usually weak when it reaches the city.

The south facade of The White House

If you own a home or property in the Washington, D.C. area, it is important to be aware of the various severe weather that can affect the area and take the right precautions to protect your property from unforeseen damage. Storm damage can occur almost without warning which makes it crucial to always be prepared for the worst and if your property does sustain flood or storm damage, contact a disaster restoration professional to assess and restore the damage.

Government and Tourism: The Economy of the Nation’s Capital

Washington, D.C. is the location of the United States federal government which accounts for the majority of the jobs in the area. While government jobs make up the biggest sector, the economy in Washington, D.C. is becoming more diversified to include professional and business service jobs and it routinely has one of the lowest unemployment rates among the major metro areas of the U.S. The city is home to the headquarters of many foreign embassies and international organizations including the Pan American Health Organization and the World Bank as well as lobbying firms, industry trade groups, and non-profit organizations to be near the federal government.

Tourism is the second biggest sector of Washington, D.C.’s economy as the city gets over 18 million annual visitors. Tourists from across the United States and beyond come to Washington, D.C. to see the many memorials, national landmarks, and museums that the city has in abundance. The other major economic sectors of Washington, D.C. are healthcare and education with Georgetown University and Washington Hospital Center being among the largest non-government related employers in the city.

Cherry Blossoms and Washington Monument

Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services for Washington, D.C.

If you own a house or a business in the Washington, D.C. area, then you should already understand the importance of keeping your property clean and maintained as it can improve the home or building’s overall appearance and create a healthier living or working atmosphere. There are cleaning professionals in Washington, D.C. that provide a variety of quality residential cleaning services such as carpet cleaning, hard surface floor cleaning, and upholstery cleaning to help you keep your home in top shape. If you own a business, one of the best ways to maintain its cleanliness and appearance is with commercial carpet cleaning services. This service can typically be done as a one-time service or on a regular basis to keep your office looking consistently clean. Contact a local service provider to learn more about the cleaning services available in the Washington, D.C. area.

Social Problems in Washington, D.C.

Lincoln memorial twilight

Washington, D.C. was notorious for its crime rate during the 1990s with high levels of violent crimes in the poverty stricken neighborhoods of the city. However, in the two decades since, violent crimes have dropped significantly and the murder rate is lower than it has been in over 50 years. Neighborhoods that were once associated with high crime rates and gang activity are becoming more vibrant areas with more nightlife activity but there is still a level of crime including robberies and theft in these areas.

While Washington, D.C. is experiencing its lowest rate of violent crime in about half a century, it is still possible for these tragedies to occur, however unlikely they may be. If a crime scene or trauma scene from a serious injury or accident has occurred on your property, it is best to call a specialized professional to handle the cleanup. Typically these scenes can contain blood or other bodily fluids that may harbor harmful toxins that can spread diseases when handled improperly. Trauma scene cleaning professionals can safely clean up the potentially harmful biohazard materials and they work discreetly and with a sense of compassion to protect your privacy following a tragedy.

Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle). The Smithsonian Institution operates the official museums and galleries of the United States

Hoarding disorder is another social problem that affects many people across the entire nation and it can develop to the point that an individual creates dangerous living conditions inside his or her home by allowing the hoard of collected items to grow. These hoards may contain trash, food containers, and even animals and cleaning out the home of a hoarder is an extensive project that often involves cleaning up potentially dangerous biohazard materials. There are specialists that offer hoarding cleaning services in the Washington, D.C. area to help safely and effectively clean out the home of a hoarder. They have the training and equipment to restore the home to a normal living condition and they also have an understanding of hoarding disorder and work with respect and compassion for the individual affected.

National Museums, Parks, and Monuments: Washington, D.C. Attractions

Washington, D.C. is home to a number of national monuments, museums, and attractions that draw a large number of tourists to the city each year. From the famous to the not-so-famous, here is a list of fun things to do in Washington, D.C.

• National Mall: National Mall is a park in downtown Washington, D.C. which holds many of the city’s famous memorials and has been the sight of presidential inaugurations as well as protests and various festivals. This park is located between the U.S. Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial and it contains the Washington Monument, Jefferson Pier, the National World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
• Tidal Basin: The Tidal Basin is another park that features a variety of national monuments as well as Japanese cherry blossom trees which were planted as gifts from Japan. Each year the city holds the National Cherry Blossom Festival to commemorate the gift of these trees from Japan. The national monuments that are found in Tidal Basin include Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, George Mason Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the District of Columbia War Memorial.
  

  True Reformer Building

• Smithsonian Museums: The Smithsonian Institution operates the official museums and galleries of the United States and its establishment and functions were chartered by Congress in 1846. There are 19 museums currently operated by the Smithsonian Institution that each offer free admission to the general public. The museums run by the Smithsonian include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of African Art, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Postal Museum, and the National Zoo among others.
• Private Museums: In addition to the Smithsonian museums, there are a number of private Washington, D.C. museums. These museums include the International Spy Museum, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, The Phillips Collection which is the nation’s first modern art museum, and the Corcoran Gallery of Art which is the largest private museum in the city.
• Performing Arts: Washington, D.C. is a hotbed for the performing arts stretching across multiple genres. The National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and the Washington Ballet all perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. The United States Marine Band is the oldest professional music organization in the U.S. and perform at the Marine Barracks. There is also a presence of independent theater in Washington, D.C. that includes Arena Stage and Studio Theatre as well as the Shakespeare Theatre Company and the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. The Howard Theatre, Bohemian Caverns, and the Lincoln Theatre are located in what is referred to as “Washington’s Black Broadway” district where jazz legends Miles Davis and Duke Ellington have performed.
  

  RFK baseball stadium

• Sports: Washington, D.C. is home to a sports team in each of the four major American professional sports. The Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL share the Verizon Center in D.C.’s Chinatown along with the Washington Mystic of the WNBA. The Washington Redskins of the NFL are the most storied franchise in Washington, D.C. winning five league championships. The Washington Nationals of the MLB are the newest professional sports team to arrive in Washington, D.C. when the Montreal Expos moved into the city and became the Nationals before the 2005 season.

Sources:
http://dc.gov/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C.

http://washington.org/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g28970-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia-Vacations.html

About Luke Armstrong

Expert in emergency fire and water restoration services, fire cleanup and water damage cleanup, mold removal, as well as carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Contributor to several restoration and cleaning blogs.