Hurricane Center

As a coastal state, Louisiana faces the possible threat from hurricanes and tropical storms each June through November. These storms have the potential to cause property damage, personal injury and even death.

Louisiana State University is aware that these high intensity storms can easily create unsafe conditions in our own community. In recent years, LSU has opted to close the campus as tropical storms or hurricanes approached the Louisiana coastline.

As a storm approaches, students, faculty, and staff will receive information if there is a threat to campus. The LSU campus community is encouraged to stay tuned to the LSU website, LSU social media, and local news stations. 

Announcements concerning the canceling of classes and campus events will be posted as soon as decisions are made by the Emergency Operations Center. 

Preparing for a Storm

Develop a personal emergency communication plan. Students should contact their parents or family members prior to the storm to advise them of their location and then again after the storm to inform them of their status. If campus residents choose to go elsewhere during a storm, please inform your RA or someone at the front desk of your residence hall or apartment so your whereabouts are known. Have an out-of-state relative or friend serve as a "family contact." After a natural disaster, it's often easier to call outside of the local area.

Hurricane preparation kit:

Pull together useful items such as non-perishable food items and snacks that you don’t have to cook, juices, soft drinks, plenty of bottled water, manual can opener, change of clothing, sturdy shoes, first-aid supplies, flashlight and batteries, eating utensils and containers for holding water. Refill prescription medicines.

If you have to evacuate, you will want to take these supplies with you, along with a blanket and pillow or sleeping bag.

Items to consider in your emergency kit:

• Water – 1 gallon per day per person
• Food – store food that is considered nonperishable (food should not require refrigeration or preparation)
• Flashlight – include extra batteries
• Cell phone charger that can plug into a wall, car, USB port, or portable charger
• First-aid kit – non-prescription pain relievers, band-aids, antibacterial ointment, insect repellent, sunscreen, and other items
• Toiletries – hygiene items
• Special needs items – prescription medication, infant formula, or specific needs that you or your family have
• Battery operated radio or tv
• Manual can opener

Prepare your room or apartment:

Pick up all items from the floors and store in drawers and closets in case of any water leaks or floods. Move upholstered furniture away from windows. Close and lock your windows. Bring inside any items you may have on patios, balconies or other open areas. Turn refrigerator and freezer temperature gauges to the lowest number. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly. Unplug stereos, TVs, electronic equipment and lamps. Do not use candles or open flames as a light source in a power outage, as they are fire hazards. Do not cook with charcoal or open flame in a confined area, as poisonous fumes are released and can be lethal.

Computers and electronics: 

If you evacuate, take your laptop with you, or back up your data and take a copy with you. Cover your computer and other electronic equipment with plastic sheeting or large plastic garbage bags, in case of water leaks.

Protect important documents: 

Place any valuable documents in waterproof containers and take them with you. Important documents include things like driver’s license, passport or other methods of identification; social security card; insurance information; or important schoolwork or books.

Gas up your vehicle: 

You may need to evacuate unexpectedly, so fill your tank and check all fluids and tire pressures (including spare). Also, gas may be difficult to find for a few days after a hurricane, so filling up ahead of the storm is critical.

Have cash on hand: 

If there is a power failure in the area, ATMs will not operate. After a storm, power could be out for several days or even longer.

Please follow the above tips to be prepared and stay tuned to all official LSU communication channels for more information.

Information for Students

Students should contact their parents or family member prior to the storm to advise them of their location and then again after the storm to inform them of their status.

Campus residents from the Baton Rouge area who want to go to their homes may do so. Please inform your RA or someone at the reception desk of your apartment area so your whereabouts are known.

Before a storm:

Students unable to travel or those who choose to stay in campus housing should review the “Hurricane Preparation List” above. 

During a storm:

• Residents are reminded to stay tuned to local radio, television, and the LSU website for updated information.
• Students should remain away from dangerous areas, such as the glass windows and doors in the lobby areas of the residence halls or the living rooms of apartments.
• Do not attempt to go outside.
• During a storm a “state of emergency” exists. Alcoholic beverages or other substances that impair judgment are prohibited. 

Resources 

• Get a Game Plan
• emergency.louisiana.gov
• Red Stick Ready
• National Hurricane Center
• WAFB Channel 9
• WBRZ Channel 2
• The Advocate