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.
List of Video Topics
Use the links below to jump to a topic.
Shopping for Your Hurricane Kit
Building Your Shelter-in-Place Kit
Getting Your Prescriptions at the Pharmacy
Creating Your Personal Evacuation Plan
Packing Your Evacuation Go-Bag
Staying Hydrated During a Hurricane
Managing Stress During a Hurricane
Drug and Alcohol Safety in a Hurricane
Nutrition Guide for Sheltering in Place
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.
