City Activates Freeze Plan For The Homeless, Urges Residents To Prepare For Cold Temperatures

In anticipation of cold weather, the City of New Orleans will activate the Citywide Freeze Plan overnight Sunday, Jan. 19 and Monday, Jan. 20. Overnight temperatures, factoring in wind chill, will remain below the threshold of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, triggering the activation of the freeze plan. The National Weather Service predicts the coldest period to be Monday and Tuesday mornings Thursday with "feels like" temperatures in the low 30s.

Cold Weather Preparedness

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

STAY WARM 

• Stay inside in heat during extreme cold.
• If you are homeless, seek shelter.
• If you have to go outside, wear layers, a hat and gloves and carry a cell phone.
• Check on neighbors, children, the elderly and chronically ill to make sure they are OK.
• Bring pets and plants 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.

Shelter for the Homeless

The freeze plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for homeless residents. The public is asked to call the New Orleans Police Department non-emergency number, 504-821-2222, to report someone in need of shelter. Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations under the following conditions:

• Low Barrier Shelter, 1530 Gravier St., will accept adults beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
• The Salvation Army, 4530 S. Claiborne Ave., will accept adults beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
• Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp St., will accept men beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday for overnight shelter. The courtyard with heaters is open 24/7 to anyone.
• Covenant House, 611 N. Rampart St., will accept individuals age 22 and under, their dependent children, and any women with dependent minor children and is open 24/7.
• New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., will accept adults beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday.