diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/active_meetings.js b/app/assets/javascripts/active_meetings.js
index 8117dd39..425fd7d7 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/active_meetings.js
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/active_meetings.js
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ initialPopulate = function(){
 }
 
 isPreviouslyJoined = function(meeting){
-  joinedMeetings = localStorage.getItem('joinedRooms-' + $('body').data('current-user')).split(',');
+  joinedMeetings = localStorage.getItem('joinedRooms-' + $('body').data('current-user')).split(',') || [];
   return joinedMeetings.indexOf(meeting) >= 0
 }