JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As the threat of Tropical Storm Fay increases, the American Red Cross opened seven shelters in Duval County Wednesday at 10 a.m.:

• Oceanway Elementary, 12555 Gillespie Ave.
• La Villa School of the Arts, 501 N. Davis St.
• Landmark Middle School**, 101 Kernan Blvd.
• Chimney Lakes Elementary**, 9353 Staples Mill Dr.
• Chaffee Trail Elementary, 11400 Sam Caruso Way
• Mandarin Oaks Elementary, 10600 Hornets Nest Rd.
• Sabal Palm Elementary, 1201 N. Kernan Blvd.

Special Needs

Jacksonville residents with special needs who need shelter must register in advance by calling 904-630-2489.

Shelter Information: What to Bring

A shelter is a place of safety for those whose homes are unsafe. There is very little privacy in a Red Cross shelter, and the conditions are often crowded. If you choose to go to a shelter, take supplies with you.

• First aid kit
• Food & Water
• Special diet food
• Over the Counter Medicine (examples: aspirin, antacids, decongestants)
• Prescriptions in original bottles, 7 to 14 day supply
• Baby food, diapers, other baby supplies
• Cards, games, books, snacks
• One complete change of clothing
• Toiletries/personal hygiene items
• Extra batteries
• Flashlights
• Bedding: blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, air mattresses
• Battery-operated radio
• Identification
• Important papers in waterproof container (examples: insurance, wills, financial records, Social Security cards, birth/marriage/death certificates, inventory of valuable household goods, etc.)
• Cash

You may want to put these supplies in a water tight storage bin, duffel bag or backpack.

Note: Before going to a shelter, secure your home.

For health and safety reasons, there is no smoking in Red Cross shelters and no firearms or weapons or alcoholic beverages are allowed.

For more information, call the Red Cross at 904-358-8091 or 888-843-5748. You can also visit them online: www.nefloridaredcross.org.