As another round of severe cold weather is anticipated, New Orleans city officials activate their citywide Freeze Plan.
The Freeze Plan will provide temporary shelter for homeless residents overnight tonight and Friday night. he National Weather Service predicts the coldest period to be early Friday morning with "feels like" temperatures in the low to mid 20s for multiple hours.
Pipes Not a Current Concern
At this point, the forecast does not indicate a hard freeze, meaning the true temperature without factoring in wind chill is not expected to dip below freezing. For that reason, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans is recommending residents do NOT need to run a faucet as pipes will not be at risk of freezing. Should the forecast change, SWBNO will alert residents.
Continue to Conserve Energy
Critical shortages of electricity continue throughout the region as a result of the extremely cold temperatures and winter weather. The region’s reliability coordinator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, has requested customers throughout Louisiana and surrounding regions continue to conserve energy. If the power supply cannot meet demand, then periodic power outages could be needed to prevent extensive power outages.
In order to prevent periodic outages, Entergy New Orleans is asking residents to voluntarily reduce the use of energy:
- Lower the central thermostat to 68 degrees and adjust window units accordingly.
- Use energy-efficient ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air to help with your comfort.
- Delay laundry, washing dishes, bathing, and other non-essential uses of electricity until this appeal for conservation has ended.
- Wash clothes with cold water, cook foods at the lowest possible setting, and refrain from opening the oven door while baking.
- Don’t allow warmed air to escape from the home.
The request for electric use reduction does not apply to elderly customers or those with special health concerns.
Shelter for the Homeless
The freeze plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for homeless residents. If someone is in need of shelter, please call (504) 821-2222 to request transportation from the NOPD Homeless Assistance Unit. Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations under the following conditions:
- The Salvation Army, 4530 S. Claiborne Ave., will accept adults beginning at 4 p.m.
- Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp St., will accept men beginning at 6 p.m. 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.
Open 24/7.
- New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., will accept adults beginning at 4 p.m.
