February 20, 2020 | From City of New Orleans
MAYOR CANTRELL PROVIDES PARADE SAFETY REMINDERS, CITY ACTIVATES FREEZE PLAN
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today mourns the passing of a resident who died at the scene of the Krewe of Nyx parade and continues to encourage residents and visitors to be safe during the Carnival season.
"This morning our hearts are too heavy as many are waking to the news of last night's tragic accident during the Krewe of Nyx parade," said Mayor Cantrell. "While we must wait for the results of the investigation, we both mourn the loss of life during what is supposed to be our time to celebrate our life and culture here, and continue to be mindful of all safety practices during the Carnival season. Please exercise caution during parades and elsewhere on the streets."
Parade Safety Reminders
After last night’s parade route tragedy, the NOPD is reminding participants and parade goers to be extra cautious as parades roll through crowded streets. NOPD route personnel will continue to enforce crowd setback standards, including regulations that require ladders to be at least six feet from the curb and not fastened together.
Additionally, parade goers are reminded to stay back as floats roll past, to not go after beads or other throws that land near floats, and to never cross between floats or parade elements. If you are in an area of the route with barricades, stay behind the barricades at all times. If you are in an area that is not barricaded, stay on the sidewalk or neutral ground and out of the street. Families with young children should be extra cautious to ensure that children do not run into the street as floats and other parade elements pass.
At this time, parades will roll today as scheduled, with Babylon at 5:30 p.m., Chaos at 6:15 p.m., and Muses at 6:30 p.m. Rain will taper off this evening, however, isolated showers are still possible through the evening and nighttime hours. Winds between 15 to 25 miles per hour (mph), with gusts up to 30 mph, are expected. Parade goers are reminded to prepare for potential rain and to secure canopy tents and ladders for anticipated wind.
The public can track the lead and tail of parades as they roll at routewise.nola.gov and can receive parade updates by texting MARDIGRAS to 888777.
Sobering Center
Residents and visitors are reminded of the the new Sobering Center, a 25-bed facility to receive individuals identified as publicly intoxicated by NOPD, State Police, other law enforcement agents based within Orleans Parish, and/or New Orleans EMS. Intoxicated individuals may stay at the facility while they sober up, under the care of trained staff. The Sobering Center will welcome and care for anyone so deemed publicly intoxicated, including “chronic inebriates,” i.e. people with substance use disorders who live on the streets, as well as visitors to New Orleans who have over-imbibed. This is considered a more viable alternative to trips to jail or the emergency room. For more info, visit https://www.ohlinc.org/sobering-center.
City to Activate Freeze Plan
A cold front moving through the area will bring much cooler temperatures, activating the Citywide Freeze Plan overnight tonight. Temperatures, factoring in wind chill, will remain below the threshold of 35 degrees Fahrenheit long enough to trigger the activation of the freeze plan. The National Weather Service predicts the coldest period to be early Friday with "feels like" temperatures in the low to mid 30s for several hours.
The City of New Orleans encourages residents and visitors to be aware of cold weather and to stay warm during Mardi Gras festivities. If you are celebrating outside, wear layers, a hat and gloves. Pay special attention to children, the elderly, and chronically ill to make sure they are okay. Seek assistance at first aid stations or from public safety personnel on the parade route if necessary. Additionally, residents are encouraged to bring pets indoors.
The freeze plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for homeless residents. The public is asked to call the NOPD non-emergency number, 504-821-2222, to report someone in need of shelter. Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations under the following conditions:
- Low Barrier Shelter, 1530 Gravier St., will accept adults beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday
- The Salvation Army, 4530 S. Claiborne Ave., will accept adults beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday
- Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp St., will accept men beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday for overnight shelter. The courtyard with heaters is open 24/7 to anyone.
- Covenant House, 611 N. Rampart St., will accept individuals age 22 and under, their dependent children, and any women with dependent minor children. Open 24/7.
- New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., will accept adults beginning at 4 p.m.Thursday.
- Community Resource and Referral Center, 1530 Gravier St., will accept adults from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
- The Rebuild Center, 1803 Gravier St., will accept adults from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
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