Community Safety – New Orleans

Purpose of Parish Protect

This site shares community safety information for New Orleans residents and visitors. Use it to plan regroup points, keep trusted contacts nearby, and print cards you can carry. The pages are informational only and connect you to rights guidance and safer communication tips.

Local Snapshot: New Orleans

Neighborhoods rely on neighbors first. Choose daytime regroup points near bus or streetcar stops such as Canal Street, Broad, or St. Claude, and a backup indoor spot like a library branch.

  • City emergency line: 911; non-emergency NOPD: (504) 821-2222.
  • Orleans Parish Prison Reform Coalition hotline: (504) 321-8024.
  • Jefferson Parish Sheriff non-emergency: (504) 363-5500.

Transit tips: RTA alerts post quickly on text and social feeds. Save bus or streetcar routes you use daily (St. Charles, Canal, Rampart-St. Claude). Keep a paper map for detours during storms.

Weather note: During hurricanes or heavy rain, plan high-ground meeting points such as Claiborne/Orleans or Broad/Canal and avoid underpasses.

Rapid Response Hotline (ICE Activity)

If you see ICE activity in the New Orleans area, call the community hotline immediately. Form a crowd, stay loud, and share details that help responders arrive prepared.

Safety Overview

Before You Head Out

  • Share your day’s route with one trusted person.
  • Carry a paper list of key phone numbers and allergies.
  • Keep a portable charger and small cash for buses or ferries.
  • Screenshot important addresses so they are available offline.

During an Incident

  • Move to a well-lit public area with cameras if you feel unsafe.
  • If stopped, stay calm, keep hands visible, and request to contact a lawyer.
  • Call the non-emergency numbers above for de-escalation when possible.
  • Send only minimal updates to trusted contacts until you are safe.

Regroup & Recovery

  • Have two regroup spots: one central (e.g., Main Library, 219 Loyola) and one backup outside flood-prone areas.
  • Write down license plates or details if you feel comfortable and it is safe to do so.
  • Rotate who checks on elders, children, and neighbors needing assistance.
  • After events, document what happened while it is fresh; keep notes offline.

Supplies Checklist

  • Photocopies of IDs sealed in a plastic bag.
  • Two printed lawyer or advocate numbers.
  • Small flashlight, water, and basic first-aid items.
  • Rights card from the Know Your Rights page, trimmed to wallet size.

Resource Cards

  • Orleans Parish
  • Jefferson Parish
  • St. Bernard

Community Check-Ins

  • New Orleans Mutual Aid: (504) 475-8005
  • Hurricane prep texts: Text NOLA READY to 77295
  • Language Access: 311 (ask for interpreter)
  • Parish Protect regroup sheet: print from Know Your Rights

Local Contacts to Save

Save these numbers in your phone and write them on paper. Share a screenshot with a trusted person.

  • Orleans Public Defender: (504) 822-8000
  • Louisiana Civil Rights Hotline: (225) 219-7550
  • ICE Community Relations (for location updates): (318) 561-6600

Printable card: Download a wallet card template from Know Your Rights and print it directly from your browser.

Regroup & Recovery

Next Steps

Continue preparing by reading Know Your Rights and the Private Communication Tools guide. Save both pages offline and share them with neighbors.

This site shares general information for community preparedness and safety. It does not provide legal advice and does not request or store personal data. Review the full notice at the Legal Notice page.