NEW ORLEANS — In anticipation of cold weather, the City of New Orleans today announced it will activate the Citywide Freeze Plan (CFP) overnight Friday, Feb. 17 through Saturday morning, Feb. 18.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts “feels like” temperatures at or slightly below freezing during overnight hours. This projected range is within the CFP activation threshold of below 35 degrees Fahrenheit for over four hours. There are no watches or warnings anticipated with this event.
The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is coordinating closely with NWS and will update residents via NOLA Ready if the likelihood of local impacts from winter weather increases. A Hard Freeze is not expected in New Orleans at this time, but residents should be prepared to protect people, pets and plants from the cold. After Saturday morning, the freeze plan is not anticipated for at least the next seven days.
Shelter for Unhoused Individuals
The freeze plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for unhoused residents. If someone is in need of shelter, please call the City’s non-emergency line at 3-1-1.
Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17:
- The Salvation Army, 4530 S. Claiborne Ave.
- New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
- Low Barrier Shelter, 1530 Gravier St.
- Covenant House, 611 N Rampart St.
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 okay
- 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
More information about winter weather available at https://ready.nola.gov/winter.
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