Hurricane season in New Orleans means it’s important to think ahead — not just about weather alerts and evacuation orders, but also about how to take care of your health, safety, and well-being before, during, and after a storm.
This 9-part video series from Tulane Campus Health covers the essentials from a student-centered, health-focused perspective.
Watch the clips and follow the quick tips so you can be ready for whatever the season brings.
1. Shopping for Your Hurricane Kit
Video focus: What to buy before a storm and how to store it.
A basic hurricane kit should be ready well before a storm is on the radar. Store items in a large, stackable bin (and a smaller waterproof container for important documents).
Key items:
- Flashlight or lantern + extra batteries
- Candles & lighters (as backup light sources) if you live off campus (not allowed in dorms)
- Portable phone charger (fully charged before the storm)
- First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic, anti-diarrheal meds)
- Portable fan for summer outages
- Non-perishable foods & snacks + can opener
- Paper plates, utensils, and cups
- 1 gallon of water per person per day (for at least 5 days)
2. Building Your Shelter-in-Place Kit
Video focus: Assembling your kit for when you stay on campus or at home during a storm.
Keep your shelter-in-place kit in a spot that’s easy to grab — like under your bed.
Key items:
- Plastic cutlery, paper bowls/plates
- Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, first aid kit
- Prescription meds + menstrual products
- Condoms and emergency contraception
- Batteries, power bank, lantern, flashlight
- Battery-operated fan
- Long shelf-life, humidity-resistant food
- Can opener, fruit cups, dry milk
- 1 gallon water per person per day
3. Getting Your Prescriptions at the Pharmacy
Video focus: Timing is everything when it comes to medications.
When a hurricane watch is issued (not a warning), check your prescriptions.
Key steps:
- Make sure you have at least 7 days of maintenance medications.
- Contact the Campus Health Pharmacy (or your pharmacy) 48–72 hours before you’d evacuate.
- Keep medications in original packaging in case you need refills elsewhere.
- Don’t wait until the day before a storm — by then it may be too late.
4. Creating Your Personal Evacuation Plan
Video focus: Have a plan that works without relying on Tulane.
Everyone at Tulane — students, faculty, staff — must have a personal evacuation plan on file in Gibson.
What to include:
- Transportation (flying home, riding with friends/family, driving to a safe location)
- Destination & lodging
- Emergency contacts
- Backup options in case plans fall through
- Special considerations (medical needs, accessibility)
- Sign up for NOLA Ready text alerts: text NOLAREADY to 77295
5. Packing Your Evacuation Go-Bag
Video focus: Be ready to leave quickly and be away for a week or more.
What to pack:
- Clothing & comfortable shoes (7 days)
- Toiletries & personal hygiene items (shampoo, body wash, deodorant, menstrual products, sunscreen)
- Prescription & OTC meds
- First aid kit
- Important documents (IDs, passport, birth certificate, insurance info) in a waterproof container
- Sentimental items (photos, comfort items)
- Pet supplies (food, water, bedding, meds, documents)
6. Staying Hydrated During a Hurricane
Video focus: Water storage and electrolyte replacement.
Tips:
- 1 gallon of water per person per day (minimum 5 days supply)
- Account for extra needs if it’s hot, you’re sweating, or drinking alcohol
- Replenish electrolytes (Gatorade, Pedialyte, homemade mix of sugar + salt + juice)
7. Managing Stress During a Hurricane
Video focus: Mindfulness and coping strategies.
Options for stress relief:
- Guided meditation (apps like Calm, Headspace, YouTube)
- Movement (yoga, dance, cardio, strength training)
- Creative outlets (art, music, crafts, cooking)
- Connecting with others (roommates, friends, CAPS support)
- CAPS offers in-person & virtual counseling after the storm
8. Drug & Alcohol Safety in a Hurricane
Video focus: Party culture meets storm safety.
Key points:
- TEMS is not operational during a hurricane — rely on NOLA EMS, which will be busy
- Without A/C, dehydration risk is higher
- If you choose to drink/use drugs, moderation is key
- Always keep water available and drink plenty
9. Nutrition Guide for Sheltering in Place
Video focus: Eating well without power or refrigeration.
Tips:
- Stock canned proteins (chicken, tuna, beans), soups, fruits, veggies
- Use shelf-stable dairy like powdered milk
- Include carbs like cereal, crackers, bread
- Incorporate all food groups when possible
- Plan ahead for allergies or dietary restrictions
- Remember: goal is basic sustenance, not dieting
Final Note
These tips complement, but do not replace, official guidance from Tulane University’s Office of Emergency Preparedness. For up-to-date alerts, check your Tulane email, follow official channels, and sign up for NOLA Ready text alerts by texting NOLAREADY to 77295.
