Cold Weather Safety Tips

Since we rarely have really cold weather in New Orleans, we wanted to share these safety tips from NOLAReady

The National Weather Service forecasts freezing temperatures in the New Orleans area beginning tonight, Friday, Jan. 12, through early next week. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during cold weather. For more information, visit ready.nola.gov.

Shelter for the Homeless

The City is activating the Citywide Freeze Plan beginning the evening of Friday, Jan. 12, and ending the morning of Monday, Jan.15 to provide temporary overnight shelter for homeless residents.Homeless individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge:

• The Salvation Army, 4530 South Claiborne Ave. – will accept men and women beginning at 4 p.m.
• Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp St. – will accept men only beginning at 4 p.m.
• Covenant House, 611 North Rampart St. – will accept men and women between the ages of 16 to 21, their dependent children, and any woman with dependent minor children 24/7.
• New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. – will accept men and women beginning at 4 p.m.

Call the New Orleans Police Department non-emergency number, 504-821-2222, to report someone in need of shelter.

Cold Weather Preparedness

Stay warm

• Stay inside in heat during extreme cold.
• If you have to go outside, wear layers, a hat & gloves and carry a cell phone.
• Check on neighbors, children, the elderly & chronically ill to make sure they are okay.
• Bring pets inside.

Know the signs of cold-related illness

See a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you or someone you know has these symptoms:

SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA

• Shivering or fumbling hands
• Exhaustion or drowsiness
• Confusion or memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Bright red, cold skin or very low energy in infants

SIGNS OF FROSTBITE

• Redness or pain in any skin area
• White or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness

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 & carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working. Get free smoke detectors or batteries installed by the New Orleans Fire Department.
• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
• Protect your water pipes from damage. Learn more.

For more information on winter weather preparedness, visit http://ready.nola.gov/plan/winter/.