Excessive Heat Warning Issued for New Orleans, City Announces Hydration Stations

NEW ORLEANS — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Warning on Friday, June 16th.  The weather forecast indicates that high humidity levels will result in heat index values – that is, temperatures that “feel like” degrees in New Orleans.  Dangerously hot temperatures are expected to rise over the holiday weekend, possibly reaching a heat index as high as 120 degrees on Sunday, June 18 and Monday, June 19. The National Weather Service also forecasts that heat indices will be a minimum of 88 degrees in the evening. 

HYDRATION STATIONS  

NOLA Ready is working with the New Orleans Fire Department to set-up hydration stations in areas with limited resources. Individuals in need of water and sunscreen are encouraged to stop by the following locations (Saturday-Monday, June 17-19, between 11 AM – 7 PM): 

• NOFD Engine 10, 14069 Morrison Rd. 

• NOFD Squirt 04, 6900 Downman Rd. 

• NOFD Engine 17, 4115 Woodland Dr. 

• NOFD Engine 8, 3300 Florida Blvd. 

NOLA Ready also seeks volunteers to run the hydration station operation. Shifts are four hours each (11 AM – 3 PM and 3 PM – 7 PM). More information can be found at https://ready.nola.gov/ 

NOLA READY HEAT RELIEF MAP 

Earlier this week, the City of New Orleans launched the NOLA Ready Heat Relief Map, which can be found at https://ready.nola.gov.  This interactive map lists locations with free water and free, indoor air-conditioned locations for the general public.  Individuals in need of heat relief should check this interactive map for updated information on hydration stations or cooling centers. 

Businesses or organizations that are willing to act as a free community cooling site should email ready@nola.gov with the address, dates, and hours to be added to the map. 

HEAT RELIEF RESOURCES FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 17 

Individuals seeking shelter during the daytime may visit the following locations on Saturday, June 17:  

• All NORDC Recreation Centers will be open on Saturday, June 17, 9 am - 2 pm. 

• All New Orleans Public Library locations are open Monday – Thursday, 10 am - 7 pm and Friday – Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm, with the following exceptions: 

• Main Library is open Monday - Thursday, 10 am - 6 pm and Friday – Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. 

• Rosa Keller Library is closed due to facilities maintenance. 

• Louisiana SPCA is open Monday - Saturday, 12 pm - 7 pm (1700 Mardi Gras Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70114)  

• OHL Sobering Center is open 24/7 (732 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116) 

• Abramson Sci Academy is open Saturday with limited capacity from 10 am – 6 pm 

• New Philippian Missionary Baptist Church is open Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm 

• Community Church Unitarian Universalist is open on Saturday from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm 

• For Unhoused Individuals: 

• Ozanam Inn has a cooling area from 5:30AM – 6:30PM daily (2239 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70119) 

• New Orleans Women & Children's Shelter will be open 9am-5pm, Friday-Monday, June 16-19th. 

• The New Orleans Mission will open their Day Center as a cooling site and provide water 10 AM - 4 PM Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18th. 

• Grace at the Greenlight will be open 6:30 AM - 7:15 AM daily and will have water on hand. 

SUSPENSION OF SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS

Entergy New Orleans does not disconnect on days that the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, which is expected to last through June 20, 2023.  Residents can call 1-800-ENTERGY ¬to report outages. The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) will also suspend shut offs for delinquent accounts on Friday, June 16 through Monday, June 19 due to the Juneteenth holiday.  Please call 52-WATER to report any water or sewerage emergencies. 

SAFETY TIPS

These hot temperatures can become life-threatening if the proper precautions are not taken. Residents can visit weatherwise.nola.gov to find localized updates on weather conditions when considering outdoor activities.

Residents are advised to take the following precautions to prevent health emergencies due to overexposure to extreme heat:

• Stay indoors in air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day
• If you must perform outdoor activities, do so early in the morning or late in the evening
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun
• Be sure to drink plenty of water, and do not wait until you’re thirsty
• The very young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, are at a greater risk for heat-related health issues and should take extra precautions to stay cool and hydrated
  • Check on neighbors, children, the elderly & chronically ill to make sure they are okay, especially every hour if power outages occur.

Children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle. Even in 70-degree weather, the interior temperature of a vehicle can increase rapidly to over 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. Cracking a window does not help. Leaving a child or pet unattended in a vehicle often leads to a life-threatening emergency. Anyone who sees a child or animal unattended in a vehicle is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information about heat-related illnesses and tips on staying cool, please visit ready.nola.gov/

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