The streets of New Orleans will come alive with Mardi Gras parades today, and the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is emphasizing safety. They warn revelers not to park in intersections or block fire hydrants to ensure emergency services can move freely during the celebrations.
As Carnival peaks on Tuesday, March 4, the NOFD is offering safety tips for the public: use flame-retardant materials for costumes and float decorations, and handle flambeaus carefully to prevent accidents. Parade-goers are also reminded to keep barbecue pits and open flames away from crowds and combustible materials. Grills must be on private property, not public areas like sidewalks or neutral grounds, and all smoking materials should be properly extinguished to avoid fire risks.
As Mardi Gras is a family-friendly event, the fire department is also focusing on the safe use of ladders—popular for getting improved views—which should be no taller than six feet, free-standing, and set at least six feet from curbs; in addition, creating barricades with ropes or other items on public property is a no-go unless officially sanctioned, and the heedful observation of barriers between tandem floats is emphasized for the safety of all attendees.
The NOFD's statement urges residents and visitors to follow all regulations for a joyful experience, which includes not discharging fireworks – an illegal activity during the event. It also advises drivers to move aside for emergency vehicles, pulling as far to the right of the roadway as possible when an emergency vehicle is attempting to pass, and then to come to a complete stop when it is safe to do so, this advice is critical in ensuring that help can reach those in need without delay. For a thorough review of the NOFD's Mardi Gras fire safety tips, you can access the full list through the City of New Orleans website.
