NEW ORLEANS — This weekend kicks off carnival season's big parades. City officials say they're monitoring the rain and doing everything possible to ensure parades aren't canceled.
Collin Arnold, Director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says a contingency plan is in the works, but it depends on the weather.
"We're not in the mood about canceling parades; we're in the mood for rescheduling them," Arnold said, "We do have some limited availability to do that; we can sometimes move back and forth, we will thread the needle with these parades."
Carnival season has a huge economic impact, according to the city, bringing in close to $900 million.
"It matters that people feel and see the diversity, the culture, and the love of this great city," Mayor Latoya Cantrell said.
With those extra dollars come more people. Hundreds of thousands are set to visit New Orleans for Carnival season, so law enforcement will be amplified.
NOPD, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, Lousiana State Police, the Coast Guard, and federal support will be out in force during Mardi Gras.
"We're going to have intelligence sharing, you will have homeland security investigations working to combat human trafficking, we will have response teams in the French Quarter and long the parade route," Arnold said,
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says 130 state troopers will be helping the department.
"We will provide strong security coverage along all of the parade routes, but we are also fully staffed in our districts for handling the normal 911 calls for service," Kirkpatrick said.
Superintendent Kirkpatrick says those found with weapons will be punished, saying, "If a gun is brought to this parade or any of our festivities, we will indeed arrest you, and you will go to jail."
Other emergency departments like fire and EMS are fully staffed to help those who need it.
New Orleans Fire Department Superintendent Roman Nelson advised paradegoers, "Be cautious of where you park. Do not block intersections, do not park illegally on the corners... as our big units are out there trying to keep people safe."
Beginning Friday, February 2, first aid stations will offer revelers safety supplies and parade route picks, which include such items as hand sanitizer, bandage dispensers, and collapsible bags.
New Orleans EMS Chief Bill Salmeron said, "There will be first aid stations managed by the New Orleans Health Department along the parade route staffed by medical volunteers identified by the Red Cross van, tent, and signage that are open one hour before the first float and until the crowd disperses."
Tips from city officials:
- Law enforcement says pickpocketing is common in big crowds, so don't come with open bags where someone can stick their hand in.
- Avoid trying to find parking by using rideshare apps
- If you do drive, check where you park so you aren't parked next to a fire hydrant.
- Parents, when you get to the parade, take a selfie with your kids in case they get lost. You'll have a recent picture to show authorities.
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