Tropical Storms
Hurricane
Personal Evacuation Plans

Campus officials closely monitor forecasts during hurricane season. If hazardous weather conditions force closings, class cancellations or other changes in the University's normal operations, announcements will be made on the emergency website http://emergency.tulane.edu/ and on the alert line ((504) 862-8080 or toll-free: 1-877-862-8080.

To view Tulane University's Hurricane Plan please visit http://emergency.tulane.edu/hurricaneplan2006.pdf.

Tropical Storms:
While many tropical systems and tropical storms develop into Hurricanes, there are many that remain at tropical storm force strength. This information only pertains to what will happen on campus during a tropical storm. In the event a tropical storm threatens the New Orleans area, the university may elect to close or cease operations temporarily. That said, it is unlikely that the University will call for a complete evacuation. The most up-to-date information and announcements will be shared on the emergency website. In general terms, during the course of a tropical storm, on-campus residents will be required to remain in the residence halls until the storm conditions have subsided. Campus offices and recreation centers will close during this time and students should have their emergency supply kits available in the event that campus utilities are affected temporarily. It is also possible that some residence halls may be combined and students relocated to other areas on campus during the course of the storm. Resident Advisors will distribute any relocation information to their residents at the start of a semester.

Return to top

Hurricanes:
During a hurricane, no student will be allowed to remain on any of Tulane's campuses and Tulane will cease operations completely. Students are responsible for vacating the university through their own transportation and lodging arrangements. To assist those students who cannot make any arrangements, the University maintains a contract with an out-of-state private bus service to transport students to Jackson, Mississippi where they will be temporarily housed at Jackson State University. Capacity is very limited and it is imperative that students who are able to leave on their own do so.

Prior to evacuating, students are advised to secure their valuable personal belongings (preferably by taking them along) before leaving campus. For insurance purposes, keep an itemized list of personal property, including room furnishings, clothing, and valuables. Photographs of your possessions are helpful as well.

Upon departure, all residence hall students will submit an EVACUATION CARD and turn in their room keys (if applicable). Drop off locations will be available throughout the residence halls.

Students who are leaving campus during an evacuation are advised to take the following items with them:

• Laptop computers
• Valuable jewelry or heirlooms
• Expensive electronics (especially portable electronics)
• Important documents: credit cards, passports, all ID, insurance cards, etc.
• Cell phones and chargers
• Medications
• Keys for home
• Irreplaceable items
• Photos
• Emergency kit
• Toiletries

Students who are evacuating with the University to Jackson, Mississippi, will be notified by the Housing staff when to report to the residence hall lobby. From there, residence halls will report in a pre-determined order to a central loading zone for loading of buses. These buses have limited space and students should be practical in choosing belongings they take on the buses. Students will be limited to one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag. In addition to the list above, students must bring the following as they will not be supplied:

• One pillow & blanket (this can be in addition to the baggage limit)
• Personal toiletries and hygiene products

Return to top

Personal Evacuation Plans
Tips to develop a personal evacuation plan.

• Where will they go in the event a hurricane? Home, family friends in the area, a friends house…
• With whom will they evacuate? Friends, family in the area…
• How will they evacuate? Air (possibly consider an "open" ticket), ground, train, etc… We recognize that first-year students are not allowed to have cars registered or parked on campus; however, many students evacuate in groups of friends with upperclass students who are familiar with evacuation routes.
• What will they take with them during an evacuation? Passport, ID, money, other documents

For students who are unable to evacuate on their own: our department will coordinate an evacuation of these remaining students.

Return to top