Mardi Gras: Let the good times (and the safety) roll
- Category: New Orleans, Security
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Ready for Mardi Gras? We are, too! But you’ll want to brush up on your Mardi Gras safety tips before hitting up the festivities.
When it’s Carnival season, things get a little … well… crazy! It’s worth taking some time beforehand to review safety basics.
Wonder where to start? Consider this your user’s guide to Mardi Gras safety.
Beads and bling … and all the fun things
There are certainly plenty of beads and bling to be found leading up to Fat Tuesday in the French Quarter and beyond, but if you aren’t careful, there are also a lot of safety hazards. To stay safe, you’ll want to practice some basic Mardi Gras etiquette:
- Don’t run into the street. Sure, this is a common set of instructions from parents to their kids across the country, but it’s also the best way to stay safe while attending parades. Stay behind the barricades, off the side of the road and don’t get in the way of the floats, horses or bands.
- Keep your head up. And your eyes open, watching for throws. You want to catch the beads and other treats while you stand along the parade routes, not get hit in the head. Don’t lean down to grab throws, which can put you at risk of tumbling or having your hands crushed. And no matter what, don’t throw things back toward the riders on floats, which is a no-no.
- Practice ladder safety. Ladders are a common way of helping kids (and yes, short adults) see the festivities well. But you need to use a ladder carefully. Keep it at least six feet from the curb—or as far back as the ladder is tall. Make sure someone is carefully holding the ladder so it stays steady. Note: It’s illegal to chain a ladder to public property like a utility pole.
- Go toward the light. Festivities can go to all hours of the day and night, so it’s important to keep your wits and stick to the lit area of NOLA neighborhoods. While the crowds may sometimes make you want to run for cover, staying in well-populated areas is also smart.
- Choose a meeting place. If you’re attending Mardi Gras as a family, select a meeting point ahead of time and make sure your kids know how to find it. If possible, walk the area around the selected meeting point so your entire family knows where to go. This is a good idea even if there are no kids along for the day; even adults can get turned around when things get chaotic.
- Know where to turn for help. Teach your kids (and yourself) what to do if you get lost or something goes wrong. Look for a uniformed police officer who can help. There are lost children stations along the parade routes, too, so you can show your kids where to go if they get separated from you.
- Make sure your kids know their details. Before attending Mardi Gras festivities, teach your children their names, your name and your phone number. They should be able to provide it when asked by an adult. It’s also a good idea to put each child’s information on their body. You can also place a notecard, band or other object containing your name, address and phone number in a pocket.
- Take along only the basics. Theft is unfortunately common during the Carnival season. Carry the minimum, including your ID, a single credit card, a small amount of cash and your health insurance information in case of emergency. Keep your wallet and any other items, including your phone, tucked away close to your body at all times. Bring your beads but leave the fancy jewelry behind for the day.