Tips for Baby's First Mardi Gras 

• Check the weather before going to the route at weatherwise.nola.gov
  • Change items in your bag to include extra layers, a rain jacket/umbrella, or more sunscreen/water.
• Bring a chair, stroller, or wagon.
  • Make sure to have a safe place to protect your child from flying throws and large crowds.
• Find parade trackers, restrooms, first aid stations, lost child stations, and more at routewise.nola.gov
• Stay home if your baby is sick.
  • Parades aren't fun when you're not feeling well. Protect your child and others by staying home until they feel better.
• Please be courteous to fellow parade goers and follow these regulations along the route, which are governed by City code.

Travel safely

• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.
• Plan ahead for heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Be patient and build extra time into travel.
• Slow down and don't drive distracted, streets are crowded with fellow parade goers.
• Stop for people in the crosswalks and do not block crosswalks.
• Keep bike lanes clear, don't drive or park in bike lanes
• When passing a person bicycling, use care and provide at least 3 feet of space.
• Check for approaching bicycle riders before opening your door.

Keep track of your group

• Plan a meeting spot in case your group gets separated.
• Take a "safety selfie" of your group at the beginning of the day. That way if you can't find someone, you have a photo of what they're wearing.
• If you can't find your child, tell the nearest public safety official. There are also lost children stations along the route.

Enjoy parades safely

• Stay behind barricades, out of the street, and listen to public safety officials.
• Don’t cross the street between floats.
• Don't go after beads or other throws that land near passing floats.
• Enjoy the parade from the sidelines. Don't walk with or touch members of marching bands, dance, or walking groups.
• “Throwbacks” -- throwing beads or other items back at riders on floats -- are not allowed. Any person who violates this provision shall be fined $250 per violation.
• Stay clear of sanitation crews and their heavy equipment after parades.

Be aware of your surroundings 

• Keep track of your personal belongings.
• If you see something suspicious, say something to a public safety official.

•  Travel in groups to and from the parade route.
• Make a plan to meet up if you become separated.
• Have a ride app downloaded with your information entered before the parade in the event you need a ride back home.
• Let someone know where you are at all times! Share your location with someone you trust will check in on you. 
• Only drink beverages that you prepare or that you watch a bartender prepare in front of you. 
  • Don't leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from anyone. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. If something feels like it is unsafe, follow your instincts.
• Stay in well-lit areas. 
• Report suspicious activity to a public safety official or first responder.

University Medical Center

Services offered: free forensic exams  

Phone: (504)702-3000

2000 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70112

• Exams can be performed up to 5 days after an incident. 
• Filing a police report is not a requirement to get a forensic exam.

Local sexual assault hotlines

• Louisiana SA TEXT Line: 225-351-7233
• Louisiana SA CALL Hotline: 888-372-8995
• Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response (STAR) Hotline: 855-435-STAR
• New Orleans Family Justice Center: 504-866-9554

Additional Resources

• National SA Call Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• New Orleans Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit (MCIU): 911
• Suicide Helpline: 988
• New Orleans Health Department Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program
• Crime Survivors' Guide
• RAINN: support, self care tools, and information for survivors and their loved ones
• LaFASA