Washington, DC, welcomes millions of visitors annually to the nation’s capital and the safety of its visitors is a top priority. Below are some general safety reminders and additional information on safety programs that Washington, DC, has implemented at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and around the city.
General Safety Tips for Attendees
All in-person attendees are encouraged to follow these general safety guidelines when traveling.
- Share your travel itinerary with someone you trust.
- Travel with a buddy throughout the city.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Remove your Annual Meeting badge when away from the convention center.
- In case of an emergency, dial 911. For convention center security and first aid services at the convention center, dial 202-249-3333 or extension 3333 from a house phone or go to ASTRO Registration, located in the West Salon, and have a staff person contact security.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
- Building security will be located at all open entrances to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Please note that building security will direct you to ASTRO Registration, located in the West Salon, upon arrival or if you do not have an ASTRO meeting badge. Please be sure to have your ASTRO meeting badge visible at all times when in the convention center.
- To help you navigate the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, staff wearing yellow jackets will be positioned in high traffic areas around the convention center to assist with general building and meeting questions and help direct you to your desired location.
- In an emergency, please dial 202-249-3333 to contact First Aid or extension 3333 from a house phone, or go to ASTRO Registration, located in West Salon, and have a staff person contact security. For additional information on First Aid, visit our On-site Services page.
Safety, Hospitality and Maintenance (SAM) Ambassadors
Around the downtown DC business district, Safety, Hospitality and Maintenance (SAM) Ambassadors wearing red shirts will be available to assist visitors. These ambassadors help to keep the downtown area clean, provide directions to visitors navigating the city and assist with reporting emergency situations to proper authorities. Learn more about the DC SAM Ambassador Program.
Traveling Safely to and around Washington, DC
Additional Washington, DC, Resources
- 911: Dial 911 to request police, fire and emergency medical services. For convention center security and first aid services while at the convention center, dial 202-249-3333 or extension 3333 from a house phone.
- Police
- Fire Services: 202-462-1762
- 311: non-emergency DC services
- U.S. Capitol Police: 202-224-5151
- U.S. Park Police: 202-619-7910
- Alert DC is the District’s emergency notification system. Visitors and residents can sign up to receive alerts via email or text message.
