Hurricane FAQs: what to know this hurricane season

The 2025 hurricane season is well underway. August and September are typically the most active months, so Tulane urges all students, faculty and staff to prepare early and stay informed.

We spoke with Tulane University Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jarrod Sullivan to answer some questions about hurricane planning and how the university helps keep the community safe.

When does hurricane season occur?

Sullivan: The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with the highest risk typically occurring from late August to early October.

How will I get updates if a storm is approaching?

Sullivan: When a storm threatens any of our campuses, Tulane activates its emergency website and issues TU Alerts to relay critical information to you. TU Alerts are delivered through a system called Everbridge, which uses information from university databases. It is essential for all students, faculty and staff to keep their contact information updated in Gibson Online. You can also download the Everbridge app and follow NOLA Ready for citywide updates. Even if you do not download the Everbridge application, you will still receive TU Alerts from the Everbridge system through your official university email.

What should I know about creating and following a personal evacuation plan at Tulane?

Sullivan: All faculty, staff and students must have a personal evacuation plan that they can implement without reliance on the university. All students will be expected to activate their personal evacuation plan when instructed to do so by the university. The university will run shuttles to the New Orleans airport, so students who are flying out of town will have a way to get to the airport. Students can elect to evacuate even when the university shelters in place.

As you create your personal evacuation plan, consider where you will go and how you will get there. If you are driving, consider taking friends and roommates with you. If you are flying, be sure to purchase your airline ticket before you get to the airport. Never leave service animals, emotional support animals, pets or valuable items behind when you evacuate — they should always go with you.

Students who cannot activate their personal evacuation plans may, to the extent possible, receive evacuation assistance from the university. Priority for university-assisted evacuation will be given to on-campus students with financial need, disabilities, access and functional needs (DAFN) and international students. This option is only available if the university declares an evacuation. If the university shelters in place, students may opt to evacuate on their own. However, the university will not take students who cannot self-evacuate to an out-of-state shelter.

More information related to your personal evacuation plan can be found at emergencyprep.tulane.edu.

What should I do to get ready before a storm hits?

Sullivan: You should pack essential supplies such as:

• Nonperishable food
• Bottled water
• Flashlights with batteries
• A 30-day supply of medications
• A portable weather radio
• A first-aid kit
• Cash

Secure your important documents and valuables in a waterproof container. If you plan to evacuate by car, fill up your gas tank well in advance. Charge all electronic devices and keep spare batteries on hand in case of a power outage. If you have a pet, make sure you have a plan in place for their care and safety.

Are there specific things the community should do to prepare for a hurricane if they live off campus?

Sullivan: In addition to gathering essential supplies, there are several things off-campus residents should do to prepare themselves and their apartments or homes for a storm:

• Fill your bathtub with water so you can flush toilets if the water pressure drops.
• Set your refrigerator to the coldest setting and avoid opening it unless necessary.
• Secure outdoor furniture or bring it inside.
• Create a written list of emergency contacts in case your devices lose power.
   

During a power outage, avoid using candles and opt for flashlights to prevent fire risk. If you have a generator, only use it away from doors or windows.

If your off-campus home becomes unsafe or you feel uncomfortable staying there, activate your personal evacuation plan. Do not come to any university buildings or campuses for shelter. The university does not have the capacity to shelter non-residential students or non-essential employees. You can return to your residence once Tulane gives the all-clear through TU Alerts and email. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development provides the latest information on road conditions for safe travel.

Additional information about completing your evacuation plan, preparing for storms and accessing local resources is available at emergencyprep.tulane.edu. To review the full evacuation policy, visit the Office of Emergency Preparedness & Response website.

The city and state also offer excellent preparedness resources, including the New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP).

For updates on campus operations or building access during a storm, check your Tulane email, text messages and tulane.edu/emergency.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact our team at emergencyprep@tulane.edu.