No matter what your plans are for inauguration weekend, knowing what to expect is the first step to a hassle-free experience. Security in D.C. – especially in Foggy Bottom – is going to be tight, so know exactly where you can go and what you can bring.

If you are going to the inaugural ceremony

• Wake up early. Gates to the ceremony open at 9 a.m. – if you have a ticket. But expect long lines and multiple security checks.
• During security screenings, be ready to have all handbags checked. Cell phones and cameras are allowed, but tripods and camera bags are not.
• Do not expect to move around much. Spectators will likely have to stay inside the perimeter and in their specific section for the entire ceremony.
• Remember that it is January. Dress accordingly and bring multiple layers. Make sure you have a poncho or rain jacket, as umbrellas are not allowed inside the security perimeter.

If you’re going to the inaugural parade

• Arrive early, as space along the route is first come, first served. But do not expect to catch the speech and see the parade as well. With at least hundreds of thousands of onlookers expected, getting a good viewpoint for both will be almost impossible.
• No weapons or any potential safety hazards will be allowed along the parade route. If you want to bring a sign, it must be no bigger than 20 feet long by 3 feet wide by a quarter-inch thick, according to Secret Service regulations. Bags bigger than 8 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches will also be prohibited.

If you’re staying in

• Staying on campus to watch the inauguration on television might be the easiest route. But because of GW’s proximity to the National Mall, expect Foggy Bottom to be much busier than normal.
• University spokeswoman Tracy Schario said she expects much of campus to be within the Secret Service’s security perimeter. In addition, nearly all of campus will be within the “parade dispersal area” and will have buses parked on many streets over the weekend, according to GW campus advisories.
• The University recommends carrying your GWorld card with you at all times.

Gabrielle Bluestone and Alex Byers