New Orleans safety updates for Fourth of July, Essence Fest

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Officials with the City of New Orleans have released updates for public safety and preparedness ahead of the Fourth of July and the Essence Festival of Culture, which are expected to draw crowds to the city from Thursday, July 3, through Monday, July 7.

To start, on July 4, lasting through July 6, the city’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated nightly for the sake of monitoring response and public safety operations during evening celebrations.

In terms of crowd safety, officials say they’re encouraging the public to stay aware and report any suspicious activity to a public safety official or by calling 504-821-2222. To contact a crime victim service provider, call 504-355-0846 (direct), 504-866-9554 (24-hour), or visit Operation NOLA Hub at 801 Loyola Ave. Open:

• Thursday, July 3, Friday, July 4 from 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
• Saturday, July 5, Sunday, July 6 from 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Personal fireworks aren’t allowed in Orleans Parish, but there will be a Go 4th on the River fireworks display at the riverfront at 9 p.m. on July 4.

From July 4 through 6, 456 New Orleans police officers will be deployed daily with maximum deployment in the first and eighth districts, as well as increased staffing across all other districts.

For traffic regulations during the same time period, officials gave the following breakdown:

• Closure spanning Canal Street to Dumaine Street and Decatur Street to Rampart Street

No parking zones (strictly enforced):

• Royal Street to Dauphine Street, on all cross streets along Bourbon Street.
• N. Peters Street and Decatur Street from Canal Street to Dumaine Street.
• Both sides of Canal Street (Claiborne to Convention Center Blvd.)
• Poydras Street near Caesars Superdome.

Waste collection will reportedly also be increased throughout the French Quarter, including extra litter can collection routes and street sweeping on major streets. Regular waste and recycling collection will occur on July 4.

Residents can follow @nolaready on social media for updates or text NOLAREADY to 77295 for emergency alerts. Additionally, more safety info for holiday weekend can be found on the free NOLA Ready Public Safety App.

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