The biggest parade in the history of the New Orleans area rolled on Tuesday to celebrate the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl victory. And this weekend the party continues, as Mardi Gras kicks into high gear in the River Parishes and the greater New Orleans area. We hope all our citizens stay safe will enjoying the festivities.

Local sheriff’s officers will maintain a heavy presence at River Parishes parades. Deputies also will be on the lookout for underage drinking, drunks, glass bottles and other safety concerns.

Their goal is to allow spectators to enjoy the parades, just not at the expense of others’ safety.

The Louisiana State Police have offered the following safety recommendations:

• Gain knowledge about the location that you are going to and get good directions. If visiting for Mardi Gras consult with the reliable locals, hotel personnel or any state trooper or police officer to get this information.

• Avoid vacant areas, dark alleys, etc. Travel in a group or stay with the crowd. There is safety in numbers.

• Avoid flashing large sums of currency when in public. This could possibly catch the eye of criminals.

• Carry pertinent information (I.D, credit cards, hotel room card keys) and valuables (cash) in your front pocket. This puts would be pick pockets in the crowd at a disadvantage.

• Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Remember, the first thing alcohol effects, is your judgment. A highly intoxicated person is an easy target for a criminal.

• Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle of you are impaired.

Today, the Krewe of Towahpasah rolls through Reserve at 1 p.m. and the Krewe of Lul rolls through Luling at noon. Tomorrow, the Krewe of Du Monde rolls through LaPlace at noon, and the Krewe of Des Allemands rolls through that St. Charles Parish town at 2 p.m. Tuesday, the Krewe of Tomorrow rolls through St. James at 1 p.m.

We ask you to support our local Mardi Gras krewes and the businesses surrounding the parade routes.

And of course, parades will be rolling through Tuesday in the greater New Orleans area.

Keep it safe and have a great Mardi Gras!