22-02-2025
New Orleans officials announce Mardi Gras safety preparations
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Officials with the City of New Orleans have announced safety preparations ahead of Mardi Gras 2025.
Because Mardi Gras 2025 is now federally listed as SEAR 1 status, special attention is being given to New Orleans by the government in the form of activation, coordination and prioritization of federal resources and personnel. This additional help will run from Feb. 21 to March 4.
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An ordinance will enforce no placement of items on the public neutral ground along the parade route more than four hours from the start of the parade. In addition to that ordinance, the New Orleans Police Department will enforce bans on the following items:
Ladders taller than six feet.
Enclosures.
Open flames.
Gas or diesel generators.
Upholstered furniture.
Portable toilets.
Scaffolding.
Confetti guns.
Mylar balloons.
Unattended coolers.
The NOPD will have 600 officers dedicated to Mardi Gras, and will be supported by the Louisiana State Police, who are providing 150 troopers, the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office and other state and federal safety partners. Over 100 officers will be in plainclothes.
Road closures will occur in the French Quarter as well, employing various barriers to prevent potential threats. 11 different federal agencies will also be providing support with teams specializing in explosives, intelligence and field operations. Those who live and work in the area will be allowed in after verification.
Mardi Gras First Aid Stations will be provided by the New Orleans Health Department, and will be staffed by several healthcare organizations and volunteers. Additionally, LCMC Health will provide private, individual nursing tents at First Aid Stations so that mothers to feed their babies away from the crowds. Bags with sensory items will also be available for those who could use them to remain calm in high-stimulus environments.
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There will be no trash or recycling collection outside of the French Quarter and Downtown Development District on Mardi Gras day, and collections will be delayed by one day through Saturday, March 8.
On Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2, however, 'Recycle Dat!' will have 8 recycling stations along parade routes, where parade-goers can drop off beads, cans, plastic bottles and glass. If you drop off full bags of cans, bottles or throws, you could win prizes as part of a sweepstakes.
Tentatively starting on Feb. 27, streetcar services will be suspended through Mardi Gras day, although other forms of public transit are planned to alter their schedules to accommodate the crowd, such as a second ferry being deployed on parade days, with extended operating DeRitter previews Saturday's Division I soccer state title bout between St. Paul's and Catholic
New Orleans officials announce Mardi Gras safety preparations
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