Mardi Gras Safety Tips from the Mobile Fire & Rescue Department

Feb 2nd, 2007

With the first Mardi Gras parade set to hit the streets with the Conde Cavaliers on Friday, February 2, 2007 the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department will once again have its Special Events Medical Response Teams on the streets during the Mardi Gras Festivities to respond to medical needs. The department will have nine teams in pairs of two, strategically placed throughout the parade route which will consist of 3 bike teams, 2 Golf Cart Mini Ambulances, 2 Walking Teams and 2 Rescue Trucks (Ambulances). The Mobile Fire-Rescue Parade Command Post will be set up at Central Fire Station located at the corner of Washington and Springhill Avenues.

Beginning Sunday, February 18th, Joe Cain Day Parade through Tuesday, February 20th, Mardi Gras Day there will be 15 teams working in pairs of two, consisting of 6 bike teams, 3 walking teams, 2 Mini Ambulances and 4 Rescue Truck (Ambulance). Following is a list of precautions that should be kept in mind while attending the parades downtown during Mardi Gras:

· If you need medical assistance during a parade, go to the nearest intersection and advise a uniformed police officer or look for firefighter/firemedics in the red shirts or jackets that have Mobile Fire-Rescue in white on the back.

· Attend parades with family or friends.

· Keep children close at all time to enjoy the festivities. Mardi Gras in Mobile is family oriented. However, if you bring your children to Mardi Gras keep them close to you at all times.

· Please cooperate with all requests from firefighters/firemedics and clear a path so they can get through the crowds.

· Stay behind the parade barricades. They are there to keep everyone safe. Tractor pulled floats, marching bands, dance teams, and mounted horse troops need to be able to watch where they are going and not watch out for excited spectators running out in the street. The police take this very seriously to ensure your safety.

· Choose a well-lit area for night parade viewing.

· Establish a pre-designated meeting place for after the parade in case you get separated from friends or family.

· Park vehicles in secure areas and do not leave valuables in plain sight. Utilize the trunk to store valuables.

Wear comfortable and layered clothing. Don’t wear loose-fitting or flashy jewelry.
Be careful when reaching for throws on the ground, it is sometimes best to place your foot on or near them before placing your hand on them.
Don’t reach for throws through the barricades, your hands could be stepped on or ran over.
It will be crowed at the parades and you will most likely get bumped during the parades. Patience goes a long ways in making your parade experience enjoyable.
Expect traffic delays and heavy traffic immediately after the parade
Drive defensively.