Be Safe in New Orleans

New Orleans is generally a safe city for tourists, and you won’t feel threatened or intimidated when walking the streets during the day or in the evening. However, as with anywhere, the city comes with its fair share of criminals and undesirables, and following some basic courses of action will help to make sure that you don’t fall victim to them.

Safety

New Orleans is a 24-hour city with an open container law. The drinking age is 21 years old. The police are lenient on drinking in the open in the French quarter, unless you have an open can or a glass container. Bars and restaurants will give you a plastic ‘go cup’ when you leave their premises. Obnoxious, inebriated behaviour and urinating in public are not tolerated and violators can expect immediate arrest.

New Orleans has over 1,350 police officers on the force, which equates to more police officers per capita than before the hurricane. The city is safer today than before the storms, with crime down to record lows in every category. The police stations in the French quarter, the central business district and throughout the areas frequented by visitors are fully staffed and operational. Southern USA is prone to hurricanes between June and November.

Emergency services: 911

Health

The tap water has been declared safe to drink again after Hurricane Katrina, and New Orleans is one of the few cities where visitors can be certain that every restaurant and café has had a health and sanitation inspection within the last few months, as was required before businesses were allowed to re-open after the storm.

Medical facilities are up and running again, but costly. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment may be refused without proof of insurance or sufficient funds. Good medical insurance is crucial.

General Hospital: +1 504 347 5511