As the chill of a winter's night descends upon New Orleans, the City announces the activation of the Citywide Freeze Plan (CFP), bracing its residents for temperatures that are expected to feel like they're at or slightly below the freezing point. The decision to enact the CFP is based on forecasts from the National Weather Service, which predict "feels like" temperatures falling within the CFP activation threshold of below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, including wind chill factors, for a duration exceeding four hours, as detailed by the City of New Orleans.
Despite no watches or warnings in effect, NOHSEP remains vigilant, ready to communicate any changes in the weather's impact to the citizens via NOLA Ready, as reported by the City of New Orleans official publication; and while a Hard Freeze is not currently anticipated, New Orleanians are urged to prepare for the frigid temperatures by safeguarding the welfare of people, pets, and even plants.
In light of the impending cold snap, the freeze plan includes provisions for unhoused individuals seeking refuge from the harsh conditions; those in need are encouraged to reach out to the City's non-emergency contact at 3-1-1. A network of local shelters is set to open their doors at no cost, welcoming individuals needing shelter starting early evening at Ozanam Inn, New Orleans Mission, The Salvation Army, and the Low Barrier Shelter at designated times ranging from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The City also underscores the importance of cold weather preparedness for its residents, suggesting a range of measures to ensure safety and warmth, which includes staying indoors, layering up when venturing outside, and keeping a vigilant eye out for neighbors, particularly the vulnerable such as children, the elderly, and the chronically ill, in addition to bringing in pets; apart from staying warm, they also recommend practicing fire safety by never leaving space heaters unsupervised and avoiding other unsafe heating methods, further, to ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional and to keep a working fire extinguisher at hand, all according to the aforementioned advisory by the City of New Orleans.
