How to get storm-ready for active phase of Atlantic hurricane season

Despite a relatively quiet summer for hurricanes, experts warn that late August and early September is traditionally the most active time for storms in the Atlantic — and forecasters are still predicting an above-0 season.

Budget for higher evacuation costs

Costs for gasoline, meals and lodging are all up significantly this year, says Tulane University business professor Peter Ricchiuti who advises residents in vulnerable areas to budget for increases if they need to evacuate due to a major hurricane. He can speak about how airfares are up about 25%, hotels and motels have on average raised their room rates by a third and gasoline prices are about 40% higher than they were last year at this time.

In Louisiana, the average cost of gasoline has risen from $2.75 to $3.85 in the last year, says Ricchiuti, professor of senior practice at the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. 

How to pack an emergency bag

Tulane emergency response expert Mike Wallace can speak about how to be storm-ready for August and September. Here is his video guide for how to prepare an emergency ‘go bag’ now.

Wallace is director of the Emergency & Security Studies Program at the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement.

To speak with either Ricchiuti or Wallace, please contact Tulane University media relations at pr@tulane.edu or Roger Dunaway at roger@tulane.edu.