As the cold snap grips the region, Jefferson Parish officials are responding to the chilly blast by issuing a cold weather advisory. A rush of arctic air has seeped into southeastern Louisiana, as detailed by the National Weather Service on the Jefferson Parish website, with temperatures poised to hover between the low to mid 30s. More biting still are the anticipated wind chills, estimated to fall between 15 to 25 degrees starting Monday night into yesterday morning, repeating for the next couple of nights and reaching through tomorrow.
The Parish administration is sounding a reminder to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants — a quartet often vulnerable in this kind of weather. Elderly neighbors and family members should not be left unchecked, pets need either to be brought indoors or provided with a warm shelter and access to water that's not frozen, while exposed water pipes should be insulated against the elements. One ought also wrap sensitive vegetation to shield it from the frosty embrace. To aid those without homes, the Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority is stepping up to direct individuals to temporary places of refuge, urging anyone in need to get in contact with the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center at (504) 349-5360.
The cold is not just in the air; it affects daily life, including where residents can seek shelter and warmth. The parish's library branches, open to everyone daily, offer a welcoming space for residents looking to escape the frigid temperatures. Complete lists of locations and hours can be found at the Jefferson Parish Library website. Additionally, retail havens like Oakwood Center and Lakeside Shopping Center provide open doors to anyone looking to thaw out during business hours.
Yet the parish's counsel extends beyond just staying warm — it's also about staying safe. With portable heaters churning away and generators possibly kicking on due to power outages, the risks of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning increase. Officials stress that when using space heaters, it's important always to place them on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. There should be a minimum three-foot buffer from anything flammable. Residents are also forewarned to always use generators in a well-ventilated area and to set them up at least 20 feet away from homes and living spaces. As a precaution, any generators should be turned off and allowed to cool for 15-20 minutes before being refueled — and never attempt to refill them while they are hot.
