New Orleans, we made it through. The once-in-a-lifetime snowstorm that left our city frozen and paralyzed is now melting away. But before we celebrate too hard, there are real dangers still lurking—on the roads, in our pipes, on our homes, and even on our cars. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe as we bounce back.
Treacherous Roads: Driving on Refrozen Ice
The snow may be gone, but the roads aren’t safe just yet. Because when ice melts during the day and refreezes overnight, it creates black ice—thin, nearly invisible layers of ice that turn any street into a skating rink for cars. The worst spots? Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads that don’t get enough sunlight. Even streets that look clear might be slick and dangerous.
If you find yourself skidding or losing control while driving, follow these expert tips from the world’s top streets consultants:
- Stay calm and don’t panic. Overcorrecting or jerking the wheel can make things worse.
- Take your foot off the gas. Let the car slow down naturally instead of slamming the brakes.
- Steer in the direction you want to go. If your back wheels slide left, gently steer left to regain control.
- Pump the brakes if you don’t have ABS. If you do have ABS, press the brakes firmly and let the system work.
- Drive slow and increase your following distance. Other drivers may not be as careful, so stay alert.
Removing Snow and Ice from Your Car
With the city thawing out, many New Orleanians are finding their cars buried under settled snow and ice. But before you grab the nearest tool or hose, here’s how the top winter experts recommend safely clearing your vehicle:
- DO NOT use hot water or a hose. Pouring warm or hot water on your windshield can cause it to crack due to rapid temperature change.
- Use a soft snow brush or foam brush. Start from the roof and work downward to avoid snow falling back onto the windshield.
- Use a plastic ice scraper for the windows. Avoid metal scrapers, as they can damage the glass.
- Start your car and turn on the defrost. Letting the car warm up helps melt ice from the inside, making removal easier.
- Avoid using wipers to clear heavy snow. The weight of the snow can damage your wiper blades or motor.
- If ice is stubborn, use a de-icer spray. A mix of rubbing alcohol and water (2:1 ratio) works well if you don’t have a store-bought de-icer.
Taking these steps will protect your car from damage while making sure you’re road-ready.
Burst Pipes: What to Do Next
As the ice thaws, many homes may face another disaster—burst pipes. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, cracking the pipes and leading to flooding once things warm up. If your pipes have burst, here’s what plumbers recommend:
- Turn off the main water supply immediately. This prevents more water from flooding your home.
- Drain the system by opening all faucets. This relieves pressure and removes leftover ice.
- Check for leaks under and outside the house. If you see standing water, you may need emergency repairs.
- Call a licensed plumber ASAP. DIY fixes may only be temporary, and a professional can prevent further damage.
- If you have standing water inside, remove it quickly. Use mops, towels, or a wet vacuum to prevent mold.
Weatherizing Your Home: Preparing for the Next Storm
This storm was historic, but now we know—New Orleans isn’t immune to extreme winter weather. To keep your home safe from future freezes, take these weatherization steps recommended by top experts:
- Insulate pipes. Use foam covers to prevent freezing.
- Seal gaps and cracks. Keep cold air from sneaking in around doors and windows.
- Check attic insulation. Proper insulation prevents heat from escaping, keeping your home warmer.
- Invest in weather stripping. Adding it to doors and windows can reduce drafts and heating costs.
- Service your heating system. Make sure your furnace or central heating is working efficiently before the next cold front.
We Made It, New Orleans
By Thursday afternoon, the city will be back to life. The streets will be clear, businesses will reopen, and the sun will shine again. This storm tested us, but like always, New Orleans pulled through. As we move forward, let’s take these lessons to heart—because next time, we’ll be ready.
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of Executive Appraisers Louisiana, an MBE-certified real estate appraisal firm, and EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Publisher — Black Source Media
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of Executive Appraisers Louisiana, an MBE-certified real estate appraisal firm, and EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu