LSU is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Francine as it creeps closer to the Louisiana coast, set to impact coastal Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane sometime Wednesday.
Campus was closed Wednesday and Thursday and learning was moved to remote after a message broadcast on Tuesday by the university. Classes still met in-person Tuesday.
What we know
Tropical Storm Francine was named Monday morning and became the sixth named storm this season. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, after the storm makes landfall, it is forecasted to push inland toward Baton Rouge.
Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency Monday evening. Local, state and federal teams have been mobilized for the expected disaster relief. Many coastal municipalities have issued mandatory evacuations, and Baton Rouge schools have announced closures for Wednesday and Thursday.
The NHC predicts there is danger of a “life-threatening” storm surge for much of Louisiana’s and Texas’ coasts. Flash flooding threatens much of south Louisiana, including Baton Rouge. There is also risk of tornadoes inland, in Louisiana and Mississippi.
General preparation
According to LSU’s Office of Emergency Preparedness, students should have an emergency communication plan in place. It is important to contact family or friends before the storm arrives in case of an emergency. Make others aware of your whereabouts at all times.
LSU highly stresses the importance of communication between students and live-in resident assistants. If you decide to go off campus, even if to evacuate, alert your RA assistant right away.
Hurricane preparation kit
In the event of an emergency, the Office of Emergency Preparedness suggests students have non-perishable items to consume that don’t require electricity or heat, like bottled water, canned foods and juices.
The office also advises students create a hurricane kit with these essentials: water, food, flashlights, a cell phone charger, a first-aid kit, toiletries, special needs items, a manual can opener and a battery operated tv or radio.
Preparing your dorm or on-campus apartment
The Office of Emergency Preparedness said the best way to prepare living spaces is to get everything off the floor. Louisiana is known for flooding often during natural disasters. To prevent that, close, lock and seal all windows. Turn the fridge and freezers to the lowest possible temperature setting and open them sparingly.
Using candles or any open flame is prohibited in campus living spaces because it is a fire hazard. Cooking with charcoal as an alternative is also prohibited because it releases poisonous fumes.
Other important tips
The university suggests keeping all important documents on you or in waterproof containers. You can protect your electronics as well in waterproof bags or plastic sheeting. Having gas in your vehicle is essential because it will be hard to obtain days after the storm. Cash on hand is recommended in case of power outages resulting in ATM failure.
Important Contact information
Office of Emergency Preparedness: (225) 578-1919, [email protected]
LSU police: (225) 578-3231
Campus Crisis Information: (225) 578-4636
