DIGEST guide for safe Bayou Classic weekend

New Orleans is a friendly, fun, and happy party town, but don’t let it fool you! If you want to have a fantastic time, a few precautionary measures are a must.
Learn the city. Learn the order of the streets running up and down the river and some of the cross streets. You can be safe in one area but you can go three blocks and be in a really bad neighborhood.
Limit the amount of cash/credit cards you take with you. Watch your purse/wallet and keep it secure. Keep a major credit card and a picture ID separate from your wallet or purse. You can always get a cash advance with your credit card, but most banks require a picture ID.
Park in designated areas. Parking in driveways, on medians, in front of water hydrants, within 15 feet of curb corners, too far from the curb, and double parking is not a good idea! Your car will get towed away and/or you will receive a fine. Don’t park in areas that are dark and deserted. Your best bet is to spend a few extra bucks and park at a lot that has an attendant.
Drink responsibly. New Orleans has an open container law. The drinking age is 21. The police are tolerant of drinking in public in the French Quarter as long as you do not have an open can or glass container. If you drink, plan ahead to use a designated driver.
Don’t get overtly drunk, be obnoxious or behave irrationally in public. Urinating in public, damaging property, injuring people, and sleeping on the property of others is not amusing and is a very easy way to get arrested.
Respect the police. They are overworked the weekend of the Bayou Classic. Long shifts, drunks, traffic accidents, fights, rowdy crowds, nuisance complaints, and countless number of other incidents keep them busy 24 hours a day. If an officer tells you something…..cooperate!
Don’t be sassy or contrary. The police on duty have an efficient system for arresting, booking, and carting off to Central Lock Up. It keeps them available for street duty and troublemakers out of the way.
Have a meeting place. Bayou Classic is huge; thousands of people are on the streets and it is very easy to get separated. Make sure everyone knows where to meet in case anyone gets lost.
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid isolated areas & cutting through parks, vacant lots and deserted areas. Beware of some isolated local scam artists that try to con you out of money. Keep walking and ignore the person.
Don’t leave with someone you just met. Walk away from anyone who wants to show you “where the party’s at” or wants to lead you to a club or bar.
Be mindful of residents. Remember that New Orleans has residents whose peace must not be disturbed.