As the threat of Hurricane Isaac looms, the American Red Cross has opened the following shelters in South Louisiana:

CURRENT SHELTER OPENINGS:

* Hammond Jr. High: 111 J. W. Davis Drive, Hammond, LA 70403.

* Hammond West Side Upper School: 2600 Westpark Avenue, Hammond. LA 70403 .

* Natalbany Elementary School: 47370 N. Morrison Boulevard, Natalbany. LA 70451.

* Nesome Middle School: 14417 Highway 442 West, Tichfaw, LA 70466.

* Amite High School: 403 S. Laurel St. Amite, LA 70422.

* Saint Helena Central High School: 14340 Highway 37, Greensburg, LA 70441.

What to Bring to a Shelter:

* 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.

* Special dietary food.

* Prescriptions.

* Baby food, diapers, other baby supplies.

* Cards, games, books, snacks.

* Clothing.

* Toiletries/personal hygiene items.

* Bedding: blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, air mattresses.

* Important papers in waterproof container (examples: insurance, wills, financial records, Social Security cards, birth/marriage/death certificates, inventory of valuable household goods, etc.)

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

* No smoking, firearms, weapons or alcoholic beverages are allowed in Red Cross shelters.

Hurricane Shelter Details:

For a complete list of shelters and opening times, please download the Red Cross Hurricane App, contact your local Red CrossOffice or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. “The Red Cross is moving volunteers, vehicles and supplies, getting ready for a response effort that spans nearly the entire Gulf Coast,” said Kay W. Wilkins, CEO of the American Red Cross South Louisiana Chapter. “We want people to have a safe place to stay as Isaac may drive people from their homes.”

* WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD DO People who may be in the path of Isaac should stay informed about the storm and leave the area if authorities direct them to do so.

* The Red Cross Safe and Well website is a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This site also connects with userTwitter and Facebook accounts.

* People should restock their disaster supplies, and fill their vehicle’s gas tank. They should also get ready to bring anything inside that can be picked up by the wind such as lawn furniture and bicycles. Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free and made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of Tropical Storm Isaac and other disaster events in Louisiana by making a financial gift to American Red Cross. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a contribution to your Red Cross call 1-800-RED-CROSS or donate online at www.arcno.org.