Hurricane Planning
Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th of every year; although in New Orleans the height of the season is typically in August and September. The majority of hurricanes are lower-scale and seldom make it past a level 2 on a scale of 1-5, and typically bring mostly strong rain and winds to the area. Other hazards associated with hurricanes are the storm surge/ storm tide that can bring flooding, tornados, and power outages. Xavier University recommends staying prepared for any emergency. This guide is designed to provide valuable information that you can use before, during, and after a storm or emergency.
Tropical Storm Francine
Xavier University of Louisiana is continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Francine and will provide updates as information on Francine’s development and trajectory becomes available.
Tropical Storm Francine continues to gain wind intensity and organization and is now expected to become a hurricane sometime Today. Current forecasts predict that Francine will make landfall along the central Louisiana coast. There may be periods of street flooding subsequently impacting transportation delays including, but not limited to, XULA shuttle services.
Classes that begin at 5:00 PM today will be held remotely and classes on Wednesday, September 11 are cancelled. Classes on Thursday, September 12 will be remote instruction and are expected to return to in-person instruction on Friday, September 13.
The Campus will shift to remote operations and will be physically closed, except for essential personnel, starting at 5:00 PM today through Thursday September 12, 2024. All essential personnel should report as normal.
Non-essential staff are expected to work remotely on Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12. XULA will assess Francine’s impact after it has moved past our area and provide an update on Friday operations, if necessary.
Students living in on-campus housing should prepare to shelter in place. Faculty and staff should prepare any computers and weather sensitive equipment for storm conditions.
University Dining will operate on a weekend schedule beginning on Wednesday, September 11 and will resume normal operations on Friday, September 13. Shuttle services will be suspended on Wednesday, September 11 and operate on a weekend schedule on Thursday, September 12, pending road conditions. Starting at 3:00 PM today, XUPD will be located in the University Center, room 205C. In the event of power outage on campus, XUPD can still be reached by phone at (504) 442-2952.
Remember to stay weather aware by monitoring local news outlets for updates in addition to checking your XULA email, XULA Safe app, and @XULA1925 on social media. For City of New Orleans alerts, sign up for NOLA Ready emergency alerts. Text NOLAREADY to 77295 or go to ready.nola.gov.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Prepare Your Personal Evacuation Plan:
- Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of the area. You may need to take alternative routes if major roads are closed and data towers may be compromised.
- Identify a method of transportation.
- Identify ahead of time where you would travel to if told to evacuate.
- Any resident student who does not submit a Personal Evacuation Plan must meet with the Director of Residence Life or Vice President of Student Services for assistance in developing a satisfactory (or acceptable) plan for evacuation.
- Submit your evacuation plan to the University through the online Housing Process prior to check-in in preparation for the Hurricane Season.
If classes are canceled:
- Shelter in Place with your Disaster Supply Kit if it is not an evacuation mandate.
- In the event a Mandatory Evacuation is enacted, in order to best protect you and the campus; no students, faculty or non-essential staff will be allowed to remain on campus under extreme storm conditions.
Emergency Contacts:
Call us at:
504.436.7411
Information Hotline:
1-866-520-XULA (9852)
New Orleans Police Dept:
911 | 1-504-565-7833
Energy:
1-800-368-3749
Atmos Energy:
1-800-692-4694
Office of Emergency Preparedness:
- ready.nola.gov | 311
Office of Homeland Security:
FEMA:
- 1-866-520-XULA (9852)
Students are encouraged NOT to make airline reservations for Christmas break until the end of October due to the possibility of the fall semester being extended for university closure during an emergency.
Students are encouraged to:
- Fuel and service your vehicle well in advance of predicted landfall, as nearby stations may sell out of gas as the storm approaches.
- Alternately, arrange transportation with a fellow student or colleague.
- Have cash for items needed during the emergency.
- Take a laptop and back up data on your computer hard drives, and chargers for all electronics.
- Secure all windows in your dorm or place of residence.
- Pay particular attention to any items that could become flying objects and secure these objects, if possible.
- Remove all perishable foods from your refrigerator.
- Notify your parents/family of your personal evacuation plan, especially where you are going if you’re not going home.
- Parents of resident students should refer to the university emergency alert line and website for updates but may also contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life (504-520-7321), the Residence Halls’ information desk, or University Police (504-520-7490).
Flooding:
1. Stay Alert for:
- Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible
- Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is happening or is about to happen
- Coastal Flood Watch: moderate to major coastal flooding is possible
- Coastal Flood Warning: moderate to major coastal flooding is happening or is about to happen
2. Stay away from flooded areas. Park vehicles on higher ground.
3. Do not attempt to walk or bike through flooded areas due to floating debris and potential for wildlife in the floodwaters.
Boil Water Advisories:
Don’t Consume Tap Water
- Use bottled or water that has boiled for 10 minutes to drink, cook, clean and brush teeth
- Showering and bathing is permitted; do not ingest water
Tornados:
Seek shelter immediately. If you’re in a building, go to an interior room on a lower level, such as a closet or bathroom. Avoid windows, doors, and outside walls.
