JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Red Cross is opening pre-storm hurricane shelters for anyone who needs to evacuate on the First Coast, starting Wednesday at 5 p.m.
These shelters are open to anyone who has been evacuated and needs somewhere to go, according to the Red Cross.
No identification is needed to use the shelters. The Red Cross encourages anyone who has been ordered to evacuate to bring their pets -- if it is not safe in your home, it is not safe for pets either. If the shelter you go to cannot accommodate your pet, they will help you find somewhere to put them.
You will need to bring your own bedding, clothing, medications and emergency kits.
It is important to note that these are pre-storm evacuation shelters for those who need a place to go during Hurricane Ian.
Pre-storm shelters are typically only meant to house residents for 12-72 hours until the storm moves through. Residents are encouraged to bring their sleeping supplies such as cots and blankets because it may not be possible or practical to move in supplies for such a short term. Post-storm shelters are available for residents who have been evacuated and are unable to reach their homes or whose homes are damaged or destroyed. Post-storm shelters usually open within 72 hours after landfall and may provide sleeping support items such as cots, blankets and pillows, meals, shower facilities, and health and mental services.
Here is the complete list:
Landmark Middle School, 101 Kernan Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Legends Community Center, 5130 Soutel Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32208
Lavilla School of the Arts, 501 N Davis St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Atlantic Coast High School, 9735 R G Skinner Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256
The Red Cross wrote in a press release: "Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter and all disaster assistance is free. We provide aid to all those in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a Red Cross shelter, just their name and where they were living before the disaster. The Red Cross is also committed to helping people with a wide range of needs, including people with disabilities and mental illnesses, whether they are children or seniors."