NEWS RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA

August 22, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH OFFICIALS URGE RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AND ADHERE TO STATEWIDE BURN BAN DURING UPCOMING EXTREME HEAT
'Feels like' temperatures up to 120 degrees to begin Wednesday and persist into the weekend 

JEFFERSON, LA – Dangerously high temperatures at or above 100 degrees with heat index values ranging from 110-120 degrees are forecast to begin tomorrow (Wednesday, August 23, 2023) and continue into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The New Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Forecast Office has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Jefferson Parish effective tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. These persistent, record-high temperatures will continue through the remainder of August.

Additionally, due to the extremely dry conditions statewide and the concern over first responder safety in these dangerously high temperatures, Louisiana State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, along with Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, has issued a statewide cease and desist order for all private burning, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1602. Violation of this Fire Marshal order, which will remain in effect until rescinded, could result in criminal and/or civil penalties. 

Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department or local government. This ban shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.). The use of barbeque grills, fire pits and small campfires for brief, recreational purposes are allowed and not affected by the burn ban.

Citizens should remain weather aware and take precautionary measures to avoid becoming a victim of heat exhaustion and related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. It is important to monitor those at high risk, including infants and young children, people 65 or older, those who are overweight, people who overexert during work or exercise and people who are physically ill (especially with heart disease or high blood pressure), or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia or poor circulation.

Heat-related illnesses can be prevented by:

• Wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Staying indoors in air conditioning and limiting outdoor activities
• Avoiding strenuous activities
• Wearing sunscreen
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding heavy meals, alcohol and sugary beverages
• NEVER leaving children or pets in cars. Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with an open window.

During extreme heat, residents can visit any of Jefferson Parish’s 15 libraries located all throughout the parish that are open daily and available to anyone wanting to get out of the heat. For library locations and hours, visit www.JPLibrary.net. Jefferson Parish is also home to regional malls, including Oakwood Center and Lakeside Shopping Center, that are open daily and provide a cool space for residents during these hot temperatures. 

It is also important to protect your four-legged friends during hot weather months. Jefferson Protection & Animal Welfare Services (JPAWS) recommends the following:

• Even though you and your pets need exercise, it is important to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day.
• Much like humans, animals can also get sunburned; monitor your pet for burns (short- and light-colored fur). Apply animal-safe sunblock, if necessary.
• A pet’s fur may actually help keep them cool in the hotter months, so reconsider before cutting off all their fur, but keep them properly groomed.
• Some pets may be more susceptible to heat (bulldogs, pugs, etc.); monitor these breeds for breathing issues.
• Bring water when going on a long walk, even in the earliest or latest part of the day.
• DO NOT leave your pet in a hot vehicle.
• Animals’ paws are just as tender as your feet, so please check the pavement with your hand; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Pet shoes or booties help keep their paws safe.

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net. Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on social media (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.

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Jefferson Parish Public Information Office 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002 Jefferson, LA 70123

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Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO