2024 Mardi Gras Safety Tips

February 05, 2024

 

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As Mardi Gras approaches, please review these tips to help you stay safe at parades and events:

Parade Safety:

  • Attend parades in groups and make sure everyone is accounted for, during and after.
  • Walk on well-lit streets and don’t wander down empty streets or walk alone at night.
  • Limit what you carry on your person (small amount of cash, ID, health insurance card, one credit card).
  • Carry items in your front pockets, or if using a purse, carry it across your torso to discourage pickpockets.
  • Stay behind barricades and listen to police and officials on the parade route.
  • Don’t harass police horses or float riders.

Vehicle and Parking Safety:

  • Lock your car and don’t leave the keys inside. Many car thefts and car burglaries occur because the vehicles are left unlocked and the keys/key fob are inside.
  • Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your car; this invites a break-in.
  • Be cautious when using rideshare services. Confirm your driver’s name and vehicle type on the app and when the driver arrives, ask them “Who are you here for?â€� This helps ensure they are a legitimate driver and not someone posing as a driver to rob you.
  • Only park in legal spaces. In New Orleans, don’t park along parade routes or in the French Quarter or you’ll get towed.

Alcohol Safety:

  • For those who are 21 and older and plan to drink, please do so responsibly.
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Always have a designated driver.
  • Stay hydrated with water.
  • Don’t accept drinks from strangers and do not allow strangers to handle your drinks.

For more safety tips, visit the ÃÛÌÒAPP Safety site.

Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras!