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,the LSU Emergency Response Plan will be activated to ensure the safety of the entire campus. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to stay tuned to local news media, look for postings on the LSU Web site at www.lsu.edu, and be aware of emergency phone numbers: 225-578-4636 or 1-800-516-6444.

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

Please review the Hurricane preparation list for actions to take to prepare for an impending storm.

Useful Links

• getagameplan.org
• emergency.louisiana.gov
• NOAA Hurricane Tracking
• LSU Hurricane Center
• WAFB Channel 9
• WBRZ Channel 2
• The Advocate
• MOHSEP
• GOHSEP

Hurricane preparation list 

• Create an emergency kit that includes:
  • Plenty of drinking water.
  • Flashlights in case of a power failure and extra batteries. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
  • First aid kit.
  • Battery operated radio or tv.
  • Canned and dry food. Have snack food items, such as crackers, cookies, peanuts, etc. Do not cook with charcoal or flame as poisonous fumes are released and could be lethal in a confined area.
  • Manual can opener.
• Fill tank of car with gasoline.
• Pets inside or protected.
• Secure loose outside objects.

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 "Preparations before the storm" checklist at the top of this page.

During a storm:
Residents are reminded to stay tuned to local radio, television, and the LSU Web site 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.

Essential University Departments

Designated employees in support and service divisions of the University are required to report to or remain at work in order to maintain essential operations of the University, whether the University has otherwise suspended operations or not. The following departments and divisions will remain in operation and their employees are required to be at work during times of emergency closure or reduced operations:

Environmental Health & Safety
LSU Police Department
Communications & University Relations
Facility Services
LSU Dining Administration
LSU Student Union
Residential Life
Student Health Center

Upon approval of the appropriate Vice Chancellor, operations in these units may be reduced to minimum requirements and individual employees retained for work or released from work as determined by the existing conditions.

With the approval of the appropriate Vice Chancellor, other units and/or individual employees may be designated as essential and required to report for work. Recognizing that weather conditions may make employee travel difficult or impossible at times, notification should be as early as possible.