Look, I get why you're searching about a terrorist attack in New Orleans. Maybe you saw something sketchy on the news, or you're planning a trip to Mardi Gras and suddenly wondered about safety. Truth is, while New Orleans hasn't had a major terrorist incident like what happened in Paris or Boston, that doesn't mean the city's unprepared. As someone who's lived here through Katrina and the Hard Rock Hotel collapse, I've seen how emergencies shake out. The city's emergency plans? Honestly, they've got gaps. But let's cut through the fear and talk real preparedness – because whether it's terrorism or a hurricane, knowing what to do matters.
New Orleans Security Landscape: Fact vs. Fiction
Straight talk: there's never been a confirmed terrorist attack in New Orleans like the ones you imagine from movies. But that doesn't mean the threat isn't taken seriously. After 9/11, the port – which moves 500 million tons of cargo yearly – ramped up security big time. Cruise terminals now use biometric screening (those facial recognition things), and there are Coast Guard patrols constantly on the river. Still, walking through the French Quarter last Tuesday, I counted just three police officers on Bourbon Street at peak hour. That's barely enough for drunk tourists, let alone a real threat. Makes you wonder.
High-Risk Zones You Should Know About
If you're visiting, these spots have stricter security:
- French Quarter: NYE crowds hit 100,000+ – police use mobile barricades and undercover officers (though I rarely spot them)
- Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: Hosts massive events like Comic Con – bag checks and metal detectors at every entrance
- Louis Armstrong Airport: TSA wait times regularly exceed 45 mins (pro tip: reserve spot via Airside)
Local Insight: During Mardi Gras, NOPD pulls officers from neighborhoods to staff parades. My friend in Mid-City waited 28 minutes for 911 response during last year's festivities. If something happened simultaneously? Scary thought.
Your Personal Safety Blueprint: Before, During, After
Preparing Like a Pro (Not a Prepper)
Forget bunkers and gas masks. Here’s what actually works:
| Supplies to Have Ready | Where to Get Them Locally | Cost (Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day water supply (1 gal/person/day) | Walmart (1901 Tchoupitoulas St) or Costco | $10-$15 |
| Hand-crank radio | Home Depot (600 N Carrollton Ave) | $25 |
| N95 masks (post-blast/chemical protection) | CVS Pharmacy (multiple locations) | $15 for 10-pack |
| Digital meetup plan | Create free at ready.nola.gov | $0 |
I learned this the hard way during Katrina – had to trade my last bottle of water for a ride to Baton Rouge. Don't be me.
During an Incident: Do This, Not That
If sirens blare or you get an emergency alert:
- RUN if possible: Don’t play hero. During the 2019 CBD explosion, people who left immediately survived
- Text don't call: Networks prioritize texts during crises. Save NOPD non-emergency (504-821-2222) in your phone
- Avoid crowds: Terrorist attacks target density – duck into the nearest hotel lobby (they’re required to have emergency protocols)
Aftermath: Critical First 72 Hours
Chaos follows any disaster. Here’s how to navigate:
| Resource | How to Access | Limitations to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Red Cross shelters | Text SHELTER + zip code to 43362 (e.g., SHELTER 70115) | Often at capacity within 2 hours – have backup plan |
| FEMA assistance | Call 800-621-3362 or disasterassistance.gov | Takes 10+ days for approval after attack declaration |
| Water distribution | Check @nolaready Twitter updates | Locations change hourly – carry refillable container |
Essential New Orleans Emergency Contacts
- NOPD Emergency: 911
- Terrorism Tip Line: 504-822-1111 (direct to FBI field office)
- Report Suspicious Packages: 877-NOLA-SAFE
- Mayor's Office of Homeland Security: 504-658-8700
Save these NOW – during the 2021 cyberattack, 911 went down for 3 hours.
Why Tourists Are Safer Than You Think (Mostly)
New Orleans gets 19 million visitors annually. The city's economy relies on tourism, so security in hotspots is tighter than locals admit. Cameras blanket the Quarter – over 400 city-owned plus private systems. But venture beyond downtown? That's different. Last month, my car got stolen near City Park while I was jogging. Police report took 4 hours. Response to actual terrorist threats would likely be faster, but infrastructure struggles.
Hotel Safety Differences Matter
Not all lodgings are equal security-wise:
| Hotel | Security Features | Gaps to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ritz-Carlton (921 Canal St) | 24/7 armed guards, underground parking with license plate scanners | Public street-level entrances near lobby |
| Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St) | Keycard elevators, bag screening during events | Historic building with multiple street entrances |
| Airbnb in Marigny | Varies wildly – some have coded locks | No staff on-site, rarely have emergency plans |
Personally? I'd skip the Airbnb if terrorism concerns are high. That keycard access at big hotels creates a buffer.
Government Plans vs. Reality: An Insider's Take
Officially, New Orleans has a 128-page terrorism response plan. Unofficially? Drill participation is spotty. After joining a CERT training last fall, I realized most neighborhood associations don't even know evacuation routes beyond hurricane scenarios. Major vulnerabilities:
- Canal Street streetcars: No bag checks, ever. Saw a guy leave a backpack unattended for 20 minutes last week
- Water supply
Sewerage & Water Board admits treatment plants have "physical security upgrades pending" since 2017 - Communication: Cell towers overload instantly during crises. Buy a $30 analog radio
The city's Office of Homeland Security runs anonymous threat reporting (that 877-NOLA-SAFE number works – I've used it for a suspicious van near Jackson Square). But funding shortages mean slower tech upgrades than cities like NYC.
Your Burning Questions Answered Straight
Has New Orleans ever experienced a terrorist attack?
No confirmed international terrorist incidents. Domestic threats? Unfortunately yes. In 2019, a far-right group plotted to bomb a LGBT bar on Bourbon Street. FBI arrested them. Shows vigilance matters.
How would I know if an attack happens?
Three ways alerts come:
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to phones (tested monthly on Wednesdays)
- Emergency sirens downtown – sounds like air raid horns
- NOLA Ready text system (text NOLAREADY to 77295)
But during the Hard Rock collapse, alerts were delayed 90 minutes. Always trust your instincts first.
Are major events like Mardi Gras safe?
Statistically, yes – but crowded. Security measures include:
- Snipers on rooftops along parade routes (you won't see them)
- Explosive-sniffing dogs every 2 blocks
- Drone surveillance above crowds
Still, I avoid parade front rows after seeing a fight over beads turn ugly. Terrorist attack concerns? Position yourself near mobile police command units – they're the white trailers with satellite dishes.
What should I do if I see suspicious activity?
Don't confront! Follow this:
What You Observe Immediate Action Where to Report Unattended backpack/bag Move 300+ feet away, note location Call 911 or text NOPD tip line (504-822-1111) Person measuring buildings/taking photos of security cameras Note physical description, direction of travel FBI New Orleans field office: 504-816-3000 Chemical smells or unexplained vapor Cover mouth with cloth, move upwind immediately Call 911 + Fire Department (504-658-4700) Last Mardi Gras, my cousin reported a guy testing fence gates near Gallier Hall. Turned out he was just drunk, but better safe.
How does New Orleans compare to other cities for terrorist attack readiness?
Frankly? Middle of the pack. We've got:
- Better than most: Port security, event response coordination
- Worse than most: Cyber defenses, neighborhood preparedness
- Unique risk: Below-sea-level geography complicates evacuation
After visiting Boston post-Marathon bombing, their medical response coordination blew ours away. We're improving though – the new Ochsner trauma center makes a difference.
Turning Anxiety Into Action: Your Next Steps
Worrying about a potential terrorist attack in New Orleans won't protect you. Doing these will:
- Download the GeauxSafe app (iOS/Android) – integrates real-time alerts with evacuation routes
- Take free CERT training – next class at NOFD Station 36 (3175 Paris Ave) starts 1st Mondays
- Stash $100 cash – ATMs fail during crises. I keep mine in a waterproof pouch inside an empty sunscreen bottle
- Practice "what if" scenarios – during commercials, ask family "where would we meet if the quarter got locked down?"
Look, the odds are slim. But living through Katrina taught me: waiting for official help is a luxury. Be your own first responder. Whether it's a terrorist threat in New Orleans or a hurricane, your preparation makes all the difference. Stay alert, not afraid.