SU officials map out new evacuation plan

After experiencing Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year, Southern University officials are certain that its Baton Rouge campus evacuation plans are intact and suitable.
“There are several procedures and plans for this upcoming year that (will allow us) to be able to accommodate those students and staff members on campus,” said Kevin Johnson, emergency preparedness coordinator for Southern. “We are aware of the students’ safety and we will take safety precaution measures to ensure our students are protected.”
Raphael Johnson, facility planner for the university, said Hurricane Katrina caused the city of Baton Rouge to become overcrowded, causing not only evacuees to be affected, but surrounding areas also.
The tragedy therefore caused a shortage of food, gas and overcrowdness in homes, Johnson said.
When Katrina hit last fall, the university closed, but gave the students the option to return home or stay in their dormitories. The dorms supplied shelter and food, flashlights and two-way radios were also provided to the head of personnel to ensure some type of contact could be made with the Emergency Medical Services, Homeland security and the parish in case of any emergency, Johnson said.
“Last year, the F.G. Clark Activity Center held approximately 800 students that remained on campus in addition to 500 evacuees that were from Dillard and Xavier University,” Kevin Johnson said. “Those students were also provided with shelter, food, cots and assistance from Red Cross.”
Testing for SUBR’s evacuation plans are active at this point, Johnson added. Just in time for preparedness should Hurricane Ernesto become a threat.
According to the National Weather Report, the latest reports of Hurricane Ernesto is said to be traveling on an eastern course.
Although Louisiana will not be greatly affected by this hurricane, Johnson, along with campus emergency team members, have their guards up.
Johnson advises those incoming students to become familiar with the evacuation plans and ask questions to inform themselves about the safety on campus in case of any emergency.
To view more information about the evacuation plans please visit the Southern University website, www.subr.edu