Northwestern State’s on-campus residents are asked to complete a survey to indicate if they plan to stay on campus this weekend or return to their homes.  This information will help Residence Life keep a roster of students who are on campus in the event of an emergency.

Students who already made the decision to go home and have already left are still asked to complete the survey for records. Whether you stay on campus during the hurricane or depart campus, please be safe and ensure you have your residential community’s RA On Call Number saved in your phone.  Please note that at this time, the Dining Hall will remain open and operating hours will remain the same.

There are a few precautionary things we recommend you do when dealing with the weather. Significant severe weather is expected this week. Please make note of the following:

  • Weather can bring on the potential of power loss. Having a flashlight and/or a lantern is recommended. Don’t forget about the batteries! Keep in mind that you are NOT allowed to have candles or anything with open flames.  If the power does go out, we will alert University Police and the City of Natchitoches Power Department, so they can bring power back to our communities as soon as possible.  Due to the city restoring the power as weather allows, the RA On Call will not have an estimated time of restoration.
  • Make sure that you have a supply of bottled water and snacks in the instance that the weather doesn’t allow you to go to the dining hall for a meal.
  • Make sure to keep your cell phone charged and any portable chargers should be charged also.
  • In the event of lightening or you decide to leave your apartment, remove all plugs from wall in case of a power surge to avoid damage to belongings.
  • Be sure to remove all valuables or electrical items from the floor – do not leave your computer, books, Ipad, gaming console, shoes or anything of value on the floor in case there is flooding.
  •        Please make sure you put any door decs or patio furniture inside your apartment.
  • If you decide to leave your apartment, before you depart, turn off all lights, set the AC to 72, close and lock all windows, close window curtains and lock your apartment door.
  • Report any leaks to the RA On Call immediately.
  • In the case of a tornado, avoid windows. Go into a small center room such as a bathroom or a closet.
  • The RA On Call Number should be programmed into your cell phone:

o    University Columns RA On Call:                                            318-663-7992

o    University Place 1 RA On Call:                                               318-417-0551

o    University Place 2 RA On Call:                                               318-471-0179

o    Varnado Hall RA On Call:                                                       318-471-3382

o    University Police:                                                                   318-357-5431

  • Stay safe when walking in the rain by avoiding water puddles in case of a hole you may not see.  We recommend remaining indoors whenever possible.
  • On campus there is an Emergency Alert System that has a siren that will sound and provide a message regarding emergency weather conditions. Please follow the directions announced over the speaker system.
  • Continue to watch for email communications from the university as well as Purple Alert texts.
  • University Place 2 hallways and entrance have a high condensation rate and will be slippery when wet!  Take caution when walking in any area that looks wet.
  • If you park in building 3 parking lot of University Place Phase I, it is recommended to move your vehicle to a different parking lot.  Major water drains are located in this parking lot and can sometimes back up due to heavy water flow.