Louisiana State Police deploys 130 troopers for Mardi Gras in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Governor Jeff Landry has committed 130 troopers from across the state for Carnival this season.

Officials with the Louisiana State Police said 130 troopers will assist the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department.

Troopers will be on assignment in the French Quarter, Central Business District, surrounding roadways and parade routes.

Some of LSP’s personal safety tips for Mardi Gras are as follows:

• Know where your children are, and do not allow them to play in areas where vehicular traffic is possible and also during the parades while floats are moving.
• Abide by laws enacted by the New Orleans City Council regarding safety on parade routes:
• Do not block intersections with ladders, grills, or other objects. These areas need to be kept open for emergency vehicles.
• Ladders should be at least 6 feet from barricades; this prevents a ladder and child from tipping over in front of a moving float or onto the roadway.
• Do not cross between floats.
• If you are unfamiliar with the area you will be walking in, pick up a local map or get directions from reliable people, such as hotel personnel or law enforcement officers.
• Avoid vacant areas and dark alleys. There is safety in numbers, so walk with someone you know or stay with the crowd.
• Do not flash large sums of currency that could catch the eye of criminals.
• Carry pertinent information (driver’s license, ID, credit cards, and keys) and valuables in your front pocket.

Parking tips:

• Pay attention to parking signs. There will be limited parking available; attempt to carpool or use an alternate form of transportation.
• Observe the restricted parking areas in and around the French Quarter and New Orleans Arena. Do not block fire hydrants or driveways. Do not interfere with the flow of traffic on streets or sidewalks to ensure the safe movement of emergency vehicles/personnel responding to calls for service and emergencies.
• Remember to remove all valuables from your vehicle or out of public view.
• Double-check to ensure your vehicle is locked and the windows are closed. Make sure you have your keys. Also, take a look around you and remember where you parked.
• Know pertinent information about your vehicle, such as your license plate number.
• If you utilize a smartphone, place a pin on your parking location; this will aid you in finding your vehicle later in the day.

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