With Mardi Gras season upon us, St. Tammany Fire District #1 would like to remind its citizens of some safety tips to follow while partaking in the festivities. Parades can be fun, but there are also many hazards along the parade routes.
Mardi Gras Safety Tips
Traffic
• If you are walking or riding a bike, be aware of other people walking, bicyclists and cars — especially before, during and after the parade.
• Do not run in between or chase floats for beads or throws.
• Clear the path for bands and other marching groups as they go by.
• Never reach under a float for a throw, even when it is stopped.
Beads & Throws
• Do not ever put beads or doubloons in your mouth. Not only are they dirty, you could accidentally swallow them and choke.
• Be careful of beads being thrown from the floats and by people in the parade.
• During the day, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and throws.
• Don’t fight over throws.
Fall Prevention
• Be careful while standing on ladders. Make sure your parents are with you while standing or sitting on a ladder. Do not place ladders in intersections. Do not fasten ladders together.
• Do not climb on or over barricades; they are there to protect you.
Lost & Found
• Stay close to your parents during the whole parade. Before the parade, have a meeting place decided on in case your parents get lost.
• If you cannot find the meeting place, look for a police officer; they will help you.
Hey parents…
Remember, don’t leave children alone. Keep your eyes on them at all times. Many people drink during the Mardi Gras season, please be extra careful while driving or walking near parades or traffic.
Keep all beads, small throws and plastic bags out of reach of children. They may cause choking or suffocation. Buy only age appropriate toys and trinkets from vendors. Remember snapping pops and smaller toys are for the older kids. If a toy fits in the cardboard cylinder from a roll of tissue paper, it is a choking hazard. Make sure a child’s vision is not obscured by masks.