General Staff Actions: Pre- and Post-Storm

As part of its emergency planning, Tulane University recommends the following precautionary steps for university employees in the event of an approaching storm and campus evacuation, plus a few basic steps to follow afterward.

To Prepare Your Work Area When a Storm Threatens

• Secure all critical papers, pictures, books and other loose items in a cabinet, desk or closet.


• Make sure your computer files are secure; that important files are stored on the university's Active Directory/Shared File system.


• Unplug all electrical equipment.


• Move as much as possible away from windows to an interior area or against an interior wall.


• Raise equipment up off of the floor, if possible.


• Cover with plastic and secure with tape any office equipment, scientific instruments, fine art, antiques and computers that cannot be stowed or moved away from windows.


• Close and secure all filing cabinets.


• Close and lock all windows and windows.


• Stow your telephone in a desk, closet or cabinet.


• Take personal items and backup disks home with you.


• Before leaving, meet with your supervisor to confirm telephone numbers and learn when you are expected to call your supervisor after the storm. Assist other departments as necessary.

After a Storm

• Contact your department supervisor as soon as possible. Check for updates on Tulane's emergency website: http://emergency.tulane.edu/ or the Tulane Alert Line: 504-862-8080 or 877-862-8080 (toll-free) .


• If the university is scheduled to be closed for more than 5 days, employees must call the Tulane employee check-in number at: Tulane Employee check-in number: 1-877-TULANE8. Check here for library updates in the event of a lengthly closure of the campus or individual Howard-Tilton library buildings.


• Do not attempt to return to campus unless specifically instructed by the Tulane administration or unless the AlertLine Message indicates it is safe to return.


• Once the university communicates that employees can return to campus, begin assessing the damage, if any, to your work area.


• If water damage to electrical equipment is suspected, do not plug in or attempt to start this equipment.


• Secure all equipment against further damage or theft and document all storm related expenses.