NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The first phase to strengthen the security plan for Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras is already in effect. Both are considered "SEAR 1" events by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "SEAR" stands for "Special Event Assessment Rating," and "One" indicates the highest level of federal assistance. "This is about making sure that all assets are deployed strategically, again, to harden any target areas for public safety," said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. FBI provides update on fatal Bourbon Street attack investigation With the New Year's Day attack still heavy on their minds, city officials are asking for federal help. Officials have faced scrutiny following reports that the retractable barriers in the French Quarter, known as bollards, were not operational. It also said other portable barriers were not even being used. "We're also asking if they're not, we're looking for, ok, how and what and where do they need to be placed," said Cantrell. Collin Arnold, New Orleans Homeland Security director, says federal support and a SEAR 1 security rating ensures people don't have to worry about an act of terrorism. "It will increase the amount of federal support that we'll be able to get here people, resources, vehicles, barricades, bollards, those different types of things," said Arnold. Memorial on Bourbon Street to remember terror attack victims These yellow barriers are now already in place on Bourbon Street. However, City Councilman J.P. Morrell says they plan to take a deep dive into what went wrong and how security measures can be improved. "Everything in the near future is on the table to have to be modified. People should be aware that Mardi Gras should also be looked at as something's probably going to be different about Mardi Gras," said Morrell. And that's good news to the Phunny Phorty Phellows, who kick off the carnival season with their annual streetcar ride. "We were already increasing and enhancing our security anyway. We just thought it was the right thing to do because it's always safety first. We're going to honor, you know, the tragic lives of the last few days," said Phunny Phorty Phellows Captain Peggy Laborde. Super Bowl LIX was already seen as SEAR 1; however, Mardi Gras was not. SEAR 1 will go into place from the first big Friday of Mardi Gras until March 4. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts New federal rule targets certain gas water heaters: Here’s what you should know Woman arrested after shots fired at Shreveport home First US bird flu death reported in Louisiana, health officials say Uber and Lyft to offer driverless rideshare cars Trump to meet with Senate Republicans on Wednesday