JEFFERSON PARISH PREPARES FOR RISK OF WINTER WEATHER

Residents should plan now for extreme and prolonged freezing conditions

JEFFERSON, LA - Jefferson Parish is actively monitoring the risk of a blast of arctic air. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will plummet on Monday, January 15, 2024 with the potential of hard freezes and dangerous wind chills on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 and Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Residents should begin preparing now for the likelihood of extreme and prolonged freezing conditions. All are reminded to protect the 4 Ps: people, pets, pipes and plants – check on elderly neighbors and family; bring pets indoors or make sure they have a warm shelter with access to unfrozen water; wrap exposed pipes and; and protect sensitive vegetation.

Jefferson Parish buildings will be open only for essential parish employees working this weather event. Libraries, Head Start centers and JPRD facilities will be closed on Tuesday (January 16) due to the potential of dangerous conditions on the roads.

These conditions could result in significant damage to unprotected pipes. The Jefferson Parish Water Department recommends customers do not run their faucets, unless the residence is raised off the ground. Although this is a common practice to aid against pipes freezing under the home, it places a strain on the entire system and increases the chance for a boil water advisory. Homes that sit on a concrete slab have added protection from the concrete and soil and do not require running taps for an extended period of time. Any exposed pipes should be wrapped with adequate insulating material.

Jefferson Parish will open two warming centers for residents on Monday, January 15, 2023 at 12 p.m. at Terrytown Playground (641 Heritage Ave. in Terrytown, LA 70056) and Johnny Bright Playground (3401 Cleary Ave. in Metairie, LA 70002). These centers will remain open throughout the duration of this weather event for people and pets in need of a warm place during the cold. Residents with pets are asked to bring a pet carrier. The Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority will also assist individuals living outdoors seek temporary shelter. Those in need can contact the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center at 504-349-5360.

Residents are urged to keep space heater and generator safety in mind during this weather event. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Residents using portable space heaters should always place the unit on a hard, level nonflammable floor. It is also important to keep it at least three feet away from anything that could burn and maintain clearance around the heater so that adults, children and pets won't bump into it. Should freezing temperatures cause power outages, it is critical that residents use generators safely because carbon monoxide is deadly. Residents should only use a generator in a well-ventilated area and place it away from structures, at least 20 feet away from a home, windows and doors. Turn off generators and let them cool down 15-20 minutes before refueling and never refuel a generator while it is hot.

The Jefferson Protection & Animal Welfare Services (JPAWS) is reminding residents that it is cruelty to not provide pets with proper shelter that prevents exposure to the elements. According to the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances 7-128 (B) 7, shelter for all animals must provide protection from the wind and cold, which includes insulation such as a blanket, hay or newspaper when temperatures reach or fall below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit.

The Jefferson Parish Emergency Management Department is working closely with the National Weather Service and will update residents should local impacts from winter weather increase. Hour-by-hour forecasts for specific locations can be accessed at www.weather.gov/neworleans by using the point-and-click map in the middle of the page. Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and make sure to charge mobile devices and keep them nearby.

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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