City of New Orleans Activates Freeze Plan Sunday, March 19 through Monday, March 20

In anticipation of cold weather, the City of New Orleans will activate the Citywide Freeze Plan (CFP) overnight, Sunday, March 19, 2023, through Monday morning, March 20, 2023.

The National Weather Service predicts "feels like" temperatures at or slightly below freezing during overnight hours on this night.  This projected range is within the CFP activation threshold of below 35 degrees Fahrenheit for over four (4) hours.  There are no watches or warnings anticipated with this event.  

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is coordinating closely with the National Weather Service and will update residents via NOLA Ready if the likelihood of local impacts from winter weather increases. A Hard Freeze is not expected in New Orleans at this time, but residents should be prepared to protect people, pets, and plants from the cold. After Saturday morning, the freeze plan is not anticipated for at least the next seven days.  

Shelter for Unhoused Individuals 

The freeze plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for unhoused residents.

If someone is in need of shelter, please call the city’s non-emergency line: 3-1-1.  

Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations:

• Ozanam Inn, 2239 Poydras St, starting at 4:00 PM
• New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, starting at 4:00 PM
• The Salvation Army, 4530 S. Claiborne Ave, starting at 4:00 PM
• Low Barrier Shelter, 1530 Gravier St, staring at 6:00 PM

Cold Weather Preparedness 

Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect people and pets during cold weather, using these tips:   

STAY WARM 

• Stay inside in heat during extreme cold. 

• If you go outside, wear layers, a hat, and gloves and carry a cell phone. 

• Check on neighbors, children, and the elderly and chronically ill to make sure they are OK. 

• Bring pets inside. 

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 and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working. 

• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it. 

More information about winter weather available at https://ready.nola.gov/winter.  

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