NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans is activating its freeze plan as another round of cold weather hits the area overnight.
The city-wide freeze plan will provide shelter for homeless residents overnight Thursday though Friday night.
WWL-TV's weather experts forecast that tonight will another cold one with a hard freeze north of the lake where temperatures will drop to near 25 degrees.
The Southshore, Bayou and River Parishes will likely see a light freeze.
Friday night into Saturday morning will be a cold. Low-to-mid 20s are expected on the Northshore, so protect people, pets, plants and pipes Friday night. South and west of the lake will likely drop to near freezing, but it won't be cold enough for pipe problems.
Pipes Not a Current Concern
The current forecast does not indicate a hard freeze in New Orleans, so the Sewerage & Water Board is recommending that residents do not run their faucets. Pipes should not be at risk of freezing.
Continue to Conserve Energy
Entergy is asking customers to continue to conserve energy due to the shortage of electricity in our region.
They warn that if the power supply can't meet the demand, then rotating power outages will resume in our area.
To prevent periodic outages, Entergy is asking residents to voluntarily reduce the use of energy:
- Lower the central thermostat to 68 degrees and adjust window units accordingly.
- Use energy-efficient ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air to help with your comfort.
- Delay laundry, washing dishes, bathing and other non-essential uses of electricity until this appeal for conservation has ended.
- Wash clothes with cold water, cook foods at the lowest possible setting and refrain from opening the oven door while baking.
- Don’t allow warmed air to escape from the home.
Shelter for the Homeless
If someone is in need of shelter, please call (504) 821-2222 to request transportation from the NOPD Homeless Assistance Unit. Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations under the following conditions:
- The Salvation Army, 4530 S. Claiborne Ave., will accept adults beginning at 4 p.m.
- Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp St., will accept men beginning at 6 p.m. 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.
Cold Weather Preparedness
Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect people and pets during cold weather, using these tips:
STAY WARM
- Stay inside in heat during extreme cold.
- If you go outside, wear layers, a hat, and gloves and carry a cell phone.
- Check on neighbors, children, and the elderly and chronically ill to make sure they are OK.
- Bring pets inside.
PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY & PREPARE YOUR HOME
- Never leave space heaters unattended.
- Never use a stove or an oven to heat your home.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working.
- Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
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