NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans announced today the public safety and operations plans for Mardi Gras. As Mardi Gras celebrations continue across the city, the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is maintaining close coordination with local, state, and federal partners to support preparedness efforts and event operations throughout the season.
A Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) I designation is in place from Friday, Feb. 13 through the early morning hours of Wednesday, Feb. 18. To support these large-scale events, the City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will activate at City Hall for all major parades beginning Friday, Feb. 6, and will remain operational through the disband of the Crescent City parade on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Public Safety
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), in coordination with NOHSEP and local, state, and federal partners, has implemented a comprehensive public safety plan for the Mardi Gras season. NOPD will operate at 100 percent staffing during parades, supported by a layered security posture designed to manage large crowds and protect parade routes, the French Quarter, and surrounding areas.
Public safety measures include concrete barriers to secure the Uptown route, water-filled barriers in a serpentine along the lake side of Saint Charles, enhanced lighting, coordinated traffic controls, K-9 sweeps and air support to enhance situational awareness. These efforts are supported by local, state, federal and the Louisiana National Guard partners providing additional staffing, perimeter security, and specialized response capabilities. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) will deploy a minimum of 175 deputies per parade day, with additional support from Louisiana Probation and Parole (LPP) officers to assist with exterior French Quarter closures.
Access to the French Quarter will be managed through designated interior and exterior closures during peak crowd periods. Wedges will be used to block all traffic flowing towards Bourbon Street and will be manned by the Louisiana National Guard. Entry will be limited to residents, hotel guests, and individuals traveling to restaurants or permitted events. Taxi cabs, rideshare, limousines and small buses will be allowed to enter. Bourbon Street crossings will be limited to emergency response operations only.
Public safety operations are further supported by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), which will provide enhanced maritime and shoreside security near ferry terminals and waterways during peak Mardi Gras activity.
Health and Medical Services
New Orleans Health and Human Services
The New Orleans Health and Human Services Department (NOHHS), in coordination with public safety partners, will operate multiple first aid stations along major parade routes located on:
-
Louisiana Ave. and St. Charles Ave.
-
St. Andrew St. and St. Charles Ave.
-
Howard Ave. and St. Charles Ave.
-
Canal St. and St. Charles Ave.
Along the Endymion Parade Route, first aid stations will be available on Feb. 14 at the following locations:
- S. Galvez St. and Canal St.
- Norman C. Francis Pkwy. and Canal St.
- Orleans Ave. and N. Hennessey St.
These stations will provide basic first aid services, mobile nursing tents, and access to KultureCity sensory bags to support individuals with sensory sensitivities.
First aid stations will be staffed by the New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS), the New Orleans Medical Reserve Corps, the American Red Cross, and NOLA Ready volunteers.
NOHHS is also coordinating with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and public safety partners to support BioWatch public health monitoring operations during peak Mardi Gras activity as an added precautionary measure.
New Orleans Emergency Medical Services
The New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) will operate at 100 percent staffing on all parade days throughout the Mardi Gras season. EMS personnel will be deployed across ambulances, bicycle teams, carts, quick-response vehicles, and on-foot teams to ensure rapid access to care in high-crowd and pedestrian-only areas.
The EMS Tactical Operations Center will be operational, with liaisons embedded across partner operations centers to support real-time coordination and rapid response to incidents.
City Services & Infrastructure
Department of Parks and Parkways
Neutral grounds along major parade routes will be mowed, and informational signage highlighting Carnival rules will be installed.
Department of Sanitation
Trash and recycling collection schedules will be adjusted during Mardi Gras. There will be no trash or recycling collection outside of the French Quarter and Downtown Development District on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Collection will resume on a one-day delayed schedule through Saturday, Feb. 21. NOMTOC post-parade cleanup will occur on Sunday, Feb. 15 with Thoth and Bacchus to follow. Due to safety and security considerations, cleanup along North Claiborne Avenue between Orleans Avenue and St. Bernard Avenue will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Residents are encouraged to help keep Mardi Gras sustainable by using trash and recycling receptables along parade routes and visiting www.recycledat.org for more information.
Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO)
SWBNO will have pre-staged crews ready to respond to any infrastructure-related emergencies.
Transportation
Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
RTA will implement service adjustments throughout the Mardi Gras season. Bus detours will begin two hours prior to parade start times and remain in effect until routes are cleared. Beginning Thursday, Feb. 12, streetcar service on the Canal Street and St. Charles lines will be suspended, with continuous 24/7 bus bridge service operating through Mardi Gras Day. Service on the UPT/Rampart Line will also be suspended on Saturday, Feb. 14. Normal service is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Ferry service will be enhanced on parade days.
Riders are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed by downloading the Mardi Gras Service Guide at norta.com/mardigras, using the Le Pass app, or signing up for service alerts by texting RTAUPDATES to 41411.
Stay Informed
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.ready.nola.gov for the City’s Mardi Gras website, which includes float parade route information featuring the City’s official parade tracker, Routewise, as well as public safety tips and resources and along the route information, including guidance on prohibited items along parade routes to help keep crowds safe. Residents and visitors are encouraged to celebrate responsibly by planning a sober ride, using rideshare or public transportation, or walking or biking when safe.
Anyone who sees something suspicious should alert a nearby public safety official or call 504-821-2222. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.
To receive the City’s emergency alerts, residents and visitors can sign up by texting NOLAREADY to 77295. For Mardi Gras specific updates, including parade route delays, cancellations or weather information, text MARDIGRAS to 77295.