Mardi Gras is one of the most fun and exciting events of the year in Louisiana – but it’s also a time when you should take care to be safety conscious. Whether you are attending the huge parades in New Orleans, parades and events in smaller towns or a courir de Mardi Gras in the country, there are a few things you can do to ensure your family stays safe.
Be Smart About Alcohol – Excessive drinking is one of the major causes of accidents during Mardi Gras (including traffic accidents as well as mishaps at parades and parties). In addition to avoiding over-indulgence, make sure that your group has a designated driver or a way to get a safe ride home (such as Uber or a taxi).
Avoid Flashing Cash – Unfortunately, pickpockets are a problem at some crowded Mardi Gras events (especially at parades in large cities). To avoid becoming a target, it’s best to use credit cards where possible. If you must use cash, avoid showing a large amount of bills when paying for things.
Keep Your Kids Close – It’s very easy for a child to wander off or get lost in the crowd. Take extra care that someone always has an eye on the kids. It’s also important to tell your children that they must stay close to you at all times.
Pay Attention to Parking Laws – Finding a parking spot can be hard at big events. Just make sure that you don’t park in front of a driveway, fire hydrant or any other illegal area. Just because it’s Mardi Gras doesn’t mean you won’t get a costly ticket – or even worse – your vehicle could be towed, leaving your family stranded. And, of course, it’s also vital that you remember to lock your vehicle.
