We hope everyone enjoys a safe and festive Mardi Gras holiday.
- Never drink and drive. Make sure someone in your group will be the designated driver.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to accidents or crime. Pace yourself with water, non-alcoholic beverages and food.
- Leave glass bottles at home.
- Watch your step for curbs and uneven roads or sidewalks.
- Make a plan with your group, including the route you’ll take and what you’ll do if you get separated. This will help you stay safe and reduce the risk of getting lost or disoriented.
- Teach children to stay close, recognize familiar faces, and know to seek out uniformed police officers, firefighters, or medics if separated or approached by a stranger. Remind them not to talk to strangers.
- Secure a note in the pocket of each child with their name and the contact telephone number of a responsible adult in case of separation.
- If you lose track of a friend or child, ask a nearby police officer, firefighter, or medic for assistance.
- Stay informed on weather forecasts and dress appropriately for the weather.
- Be aware of parade throws. Heavy flying beads can cause cuts or painful bruises, and beads on the ground can be a tripping hazard.
- Don’t throw items back at floats.
- Don’t cross over parade barricades to pick up a fallen throw. Ask a nearby police officer to pass it to you, or grab it after the floats have passed. Barricades are put up for your safety.
- Respect road closures and barricades for the safety of all pedestrians.
