Hurricane Season

What is Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season is a period of time, usually from June 1 to November 30, when tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. These cyclones are known as hurricanes, and they can bring strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges, and flooding to coastal areas. Hurricane season can be a challenging time for college campuses located in areas that are vulnerable to these storms.

Be Prepared:

1. Understand the risks: Colleges located in coastal areas or areas prone to flooding are at a higher risk for hurricane damage. It is important to understand the potential risks for your campus and develop a plan accordingly.
2. Develop a hurricane plan: Develop a hurricane plan that outlines what to do before, during, and after a storm. This plan should include evacuation procedures, emergency contact information, and communication strategies.
3. Communicate with students and staff: Make sure all students, faculty, and staff are aware of the hurricane plan and understand their roles during an emergency. Communicate regularly with updates on the storm’s progress and any changes to the plan.
4. Stock up on emergency supplies: Ensure your campus is well-stocked with emergency supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and backup generators.
5. Secure buildings and equipment: Prepare your campus buildings and equipment for a hurricane by securing doors and windows, reinforcing roofs, and moving outdoor objects such as chairs, tables, and trash cans to safe locations.
6. Stay informed: Monitor the McNeese website, email, local media and official university social media accounts to stay informed about the progress of the hurricane. Work closely with local authorities and emergency management agencies to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
7. Evacuate if necessary: If your campus is in a mandatory evacuation zone, follow the instructions of local officials and evacuate immediately. Make sure students, faculty, and staff know where to go and what to do in the event of an evacuation.

Tropical Storms vs. Hurricanes

Tropical storms are low-pressure systems that form in tropical regions and are characterized by winds that range from 39 to 73 miles per hour (63 to 118 kilometers per hour). Tropical storms are given names, just like hurricanes, and can produce heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges that can cause flooding and other damage.

Hurricanes are more intense than tropical storms and are characterized by winds that exceed 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour). Hurricanes are also known as typhoons or cyclones, depending on the region in which they form. Like tropical storms, hurricanes can produce heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges, but they can cause much more widespread and severe damage.

Evacuation Decisions

The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and local emergency managers make the decision if an evacuation is warranted and establish the timeline for the evacuation.
McNeese officials attend the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness meetings and report information back to the McNeese Emergency Preparedness Team for guidance in campus decisions.