Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
TROPICAL STORMS | HURRICANES | 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.
Click here to download a PDF of Tulane University's Hurricane Plan.
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 that a tropical storm threatens the New Orleans area, the University may elect to close or cease operations temporarily; however, 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, on-campus residents will be required to remain in the residence halls during a tropical storm 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 the semester.
Hurricanes
During a hurricane, students will not be allowed to remain on any of Tulane's campuses under any circumstances. The University will cease operations completely. Students are responsible for vacating the University via 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 commit to their own personal transportation and plan.
Students are advised to secure their valuable personal belongings (preferably by taking them along) before evacuating the campus. For insurance purposes, keep an itemized list of personal property including room furnishings, clothing, and valuables. Photographs of your possessions are helpful.
Upon departure, each residence hall student will submit an EVACUATION CARD and turn in his or her 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 forms of identification, 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 and Residence Life 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
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Personal Evacuation Plans
During an evacuation, there will not be a lot of time to plan. Having your plans prepared and communicated ahead of time will reduce your own stress and the stress of your family during an evacuation. In developing a personal evacuation plan, consider the following questions:
- Where will you go in the event of a hurricane? Will you go home, to the home of family friends in the area, or to a friend's house?
- With whom will you evacuate? Friends? Family in the area? Or someone else?
- How will you evacuate? By air (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 you take with you during an evacuation? Passport, ID, money, other documents?
Housing & Residence Life will help coordinate evacuation of students who cannot evacuate on their own.