Friday, September 2, 4:30 p.m.

Dillard University is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Lee as it approaches the Louisiana coast. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and possible flooding to the greater New Orleans region over the next several days. As part of the university’s Emergency Response the Public Safety and Facilities departments have mobilized to prepare the campus for the possibility of heavy wind and rain. Some of the actions implemented are listed below.

The Emergency Response Team will continue to monitor the storm and its impact and updates to the Dillard community will be issued as necessary through www.dillard.edu and the e2campus text messaging service. If you are not currently signed up for Dillard’s e2campus text messaging service, please click here. To sign up for the city of New Orleans’ emergency text messaging service, please visit www.nolaready.info.

Dillard University will continue to monitor the storm’s progress. The university asks that everyone please exercise caution throughout the next few days. Please drive slowly, and do not drive or walk through standing water. Visit www.dillard.edu and this page for up-to-date emergency weather information.

Residential Students:

•    All residential students are asked to observe a 12 a.m. curfew.
•    Residents who are leaving for the weekend must sign out at the main desk of their residence hall.
•    The university asks that guests refrain from visiting campus during this weather advisory.
•    Shuttle service will continue on schedule.
•    The Kearny Hall cafeteria will continue to operate on schedule.
•    Campus physician Dr. Hebert recommends that students stock up on any medications.
•    Flashlights are available at each residence hall main desk for students use.
•    In the event of a power outage:

  • The cafeteria will close, and boxed meals will be delivered to residence halls.
  • Bottled water will be distributed at each residence hall main desk.
  • In the event of a long-term power outage, residents of Williams, Gentilly Gardens and Evangelines will be relocated to the PSB since the building is on an emergency generator.

Public Safety has taken the following storm related precautions:

•    Staffing: All employees placed on standby alert.
•    Inspections: All construction areas have been inspected for safety concerns from high winds.
•    Street Inspections – catch basins on Virgil Blvd. are cleaned and cleared.
•    Main Gate: Officers at the main gate have been instructed to observe the water levels for vehicles entering and exiting the campus.
•    Command Staff:  monitoring weather in command center.

Facilities has taken the following storm related precautions:

•    Started sandbagging the low areas in front of Kearny Hall.
•    Inspected the construction area in front of Hartzell/Camphor for loose material.
•    Started removing all tree material and loose debris around campus.
•    Removed the in-ground temporary signage.
•    Contacted SDT Waste & Debris Services to pick-up roll-off dumpsters.
•    Started clearing all storm drains.
•    Placed blue floor tarp down in Dent Hall.
•    Contacted the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to secure equipment from potential roof leaks.
•    Directed staff to cover dumpsters that are not emptied by SDT.
•    Assembled Facilities Disaster Team to respond if needed during the holiday weekend for any flooding or power outage issues.
•    Confirmed with Entergy that Dillard is a prioritized customer.
•    Assembled additional supplies that may be required for facilities issues