In the next few days, Hurricane Sally is expected to make landfall even though Louisiana has not fully recovered from Hurricane Laura.
Hurricane Laura struck the southeast regions of Louisiana approximately three weeks ago. Rain and wind damage caused Grambling’s campus to close for a week.
Hurricanes are categorized based upon sustained wind speed which determines potential property damage. Sally has rapidly intensified in size and speed while traveling through the northern Gulf of Mexico. Sally is projected to be at Category 2 intensity by time it makes landfall.
A life-threatening storm surge is expected, particularly in parts of southeast Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Grambling State University is located in the northern region of Louisiana in between Shreveport and Monroe, which is expected to get dangerously high wind speeds and possible flooding.
Grambling State University Sophomore, Star Lewis, who resides on campus in a dorm said that Hurricane Sally “is definitely frightening to possibly experience.”
Lewis is a Jackson, Miss. native who has experienced many hurricanes, but she said that they have never been back to back like Laura and Sally.
Lewis said she knows how to prepare for hurricanes while living on her college campus.
“I go to Walmart and I make sure to grab a lot of water. I stay in a dorm so I get dry foods like granola bars and poptarts because those foods don’t spoil so if the power goes out I will be ok,” Lewis said.
Sophomore Samirah Jacksonresides off-campus in Ruston. Jackson is a Houston, Texas native who has also experienced many hurricanes.
“I like to stock up on candles, batteries, canned food, and basic necessities like water and toiletries. The power at my apartment goes out frequently so my candles come in handy,” Jackson said.
Jackson also said that she recommends people to park their cars on high ground just in case of flooding in certain areas.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) in order to prepare for a hurricane you should sign up for local alerts and warnings, monitor the news, prepare an evacuation plan, map out an evacuation route, stock up on emergency supplies, protect your property by reviewing insurance policies, cataloging belongings, collect and safeguard your critical financial, medical, educational, records, and legal documents.
FEMA also recommends finding somewhere safe to hide if ordered to shelter in place. When ordered to shelter in place during a hurricane, you should find a safe indoor space, and stay in that location until officials say that it is safe to leave or order you to evacuate.
Grambling State University students can remain updated on hurricane Sally’s location by registering for Grambling’s campus alert system on their Banner Web.
The campus alert system will keep students, professors and parents up to date on all campus information and severe weather alerts affecting Grambling State Universities campus.
The month of September is considered one of the most active months during hurricane season.
Students can also remain updated by following @Grambling1901 on Twitter.