As Louisiana prepares for Mardi Gras parades, parties, and balls, it is important to stay safe while participating in the celebrations.Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the rules and tips that can keep the parade atmosphere safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet said, “Mardi Gras season has been a part of Terrebonne Parish and our culture for as long as most of us can remember. I believe it goes without saying that as we have continued to grow and evolve over the years with implementation of new safety practices, and Mardi Gras is certainly no exception. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office stands ready to protect our parish, residents, and visitors to ensure and safe prosperous Carnival Season for all.”

General Safety Tips:

• Park vehicles in secure areas and do not leave valuables in plain sight. Utilize the trunk to store valuables.
• Attend parades in groups and establish a well-known meeting place ahead of time in case anyone becomes separated.
• Make sure small children are always accompanied by an adult.
• Teach your children to stay calm if lost and go to a uniformed police officer.
  • Teach your child not to be afraid of police officers and if possible, take them up to one prior to the parade. Give the officer a high-five and help your child to know officers are friends.
  • If no police officer is in your area, teach your child to go to another parent with children for help.
• Do not wander down empty streets late at night or in the early morning hours. This is the time when you are more likely to be targeted for a crime. Stay in populated, well-lit areas, and travel in groups!
• If you must carry a purse, carry it across your torso and place important items in the front pocket.
• If you need police assistance during a parade, go to the nearest intersection and advise a uniformed police officer.
• Maintain a safe distance from floats and all participants of the parade.”

Violations that are governed by law which could result in arrest:

• Never follow behind floats, bands, etc.
• Do not throw any object in the direction of floats, band members, or any parade participants.
• Glass containers are prohibited on the parade route.
• No underage drinking is allowed. Uniformed and plainclothes officers will be patrolling behind and within crowds to identify and arrest persons engaging in criminal activity.
• Do not cross the barricades for any reason.
• Bicycles, skateboards, and motorized scooters are prohibited from being ridden on the route.
• Materials known as “silly string” and “snap & pops” along with similar products are illegal.
• Possession of any of these products are strictly prohibited.

Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue encourages all parade goers to enjoy the festivities, but utilize all safety precautions. Lock your vehicles and hide and/or remove valuables from plain view. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. Don’t let anyone who is impaired drive or walk alone.

Safety Tips:

• DON’T park along the posted routes, in front of driveways, fire hydrants, or anywhere you would not normally be allowed to park. And be sure to lock your vehicle!

• Keep your children close, and don’t let them wander off. Be sure that they know to stay behind the parade barricades.

• Remember, the Neutral Ground (median) is public property, and it is illegal to block off areas for private use.

• Glass containers are prohibited along parade routes.

• Don’t ever try to rush out into the middle of the parade route to grab beads.

• Travel together, communicate where you are going, and try to designate a meeting spot with friends and family.

The Attorney General’s office especially encourages parents and guardians to remind their children of basic safety rules before these events.

“Be sure the kids know to check in before going anywhere, never go alone, and yell “no” if a stranger tries to touch or harm,” shares a 2022 statement from their office. “Please teach children your cell phone number and how to find a law enforcement officer if they get lost or separated; and carry a current, good quality photo and descriptive information for each child.”

Page Insurance wishes you a very safe and Happy Mardi Gras! We’ll see you on the route!