February 14, 2021 | From City of New Orleans
Mayor Cantrell Issues Emergency Declaration In Preparation For Freezing Weather
Mayor LaToya Cantrell today issued an emergency declaration as the City of New Orleans, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans and Entergy New Orleans continue winter weather preparedness and encourage residents to take precautions for freezing temperatures early this week.
[READ: Mayor Cantrell's emergency declaration]
The City is coordinating its efforts with the health, infrastructure and public safety team that includes the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Health Department, and Orleans Parish Communications District (311/911).
Crews and contractors supporting Entergy’s Louisiana utilities are on standby and are closely monitoring weather forecasts as this type of precipitation can create problems for the electric system and make for hazardous driving conditions, slowing power restoration. Read more about Entergy New Orleans’ preparedness and customer tips. Customers are encouraged to sign up for text alerts by texting REG to 36778. For additional cold weather tips, follow Entergy New Orleans on Twitter at @EntergyNOLA and on Facebook.com/EntergyNOLA.
The Sewerage and Water Board (SWBNO) utilizes power to pump drinking water from the Carrollton Water Plant to the entire city. At present, Turbine 1 and all electro-motive diesel generators are available to power the system. Turbine 6 cannot be used during freezing temperatures. Additionally, in coordination with NOHSEP and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Sewerage and Water Board has secured two power generators that will supply 4 megawatts of power. While this is a welcome addition, there is still concern regarding the ability to maintain water pressure, especially during a freeze when residents across the city are running water to protect pipes within their homes and water main breaks are likely.
As temperatures approach 32 degrees, the SWBNO encourages residents to run only the faucet furthest from the meter at a spaghetti-thin trickle of water to protect their pipes. Anything more will further drop water pressure in the water system. There is still time to protect your pipes. Insulate your exposed pipes by wrapping them with foam, rubber or fiberglass sleeves. You can also use rags or newspaper. Be sure to wrap the pipes with at least an inch of those materials, then cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them dry. Read more about protecting your pipes during a freeze at https://www.swbno.org/DrinkingWater/FightingTheFreeze.
Learn more about the SWBNO current power status in the graphic below.
