STUART, Florida/June 21, 2006 --- The American Red Cross Martin County Chapter is reminding residents to take note of the list of locations of its 2006 Hurricane Shelters in Martin County. "As we saw with Tropical Storm Alberto, forecasters are once again predicting this will be a very active Hurricane Season, so it is critical that our residents plan now for their safety before, during and after a hurricane," said Mary Sawyer, Executive Director, American Red Cross, Martin County Chapter. "The lessons we learned during the devastating Hurricane Season 2005 make it important for each and every resident to plan ahead for Hurricane Season. Preparation and advance planning are the key to survival should we have a major hurricane or multiple hurricanes again this year. Residents should plan now on whether to ride out a storm in their home or, as a last resort, seek shelter in one of nine shelters to be operated by American Red Cross. Now is also the time to prepare a Hurricane Survival Kit," added Sawyer.

This year's Hurricane Shelter locations are:

1. Bessey Creek Elementary 2201 S.W. Matheson Ave.
2. Felix Williams Elementary 401 N.W. Baker Rd
3. Hidden Oaks Middle School 2801 S.W. Martin Hwy.
4. Indiantown Middle 16303 SW Farms Road
5. Jensen Beach High 2875 NW Goldenrod Rd.
6. Jensen Beach Elementary 2525 N.E. Savanna Rd.
7. Port Salerno Elementary 3260 SE Lionel Terrace
8. Seawind Elementary 3700 S.E. Seabranch Blvd
9. Warfield Elementary School 15261 SW 150 th Street

"Residents should listen to 1450 A.M. WSTU Radio and the Emergency Alert System station WQCS-FM 88.9 for information on when shelters will open. Not all shelters may be opened at the same time based on information about the hurricane," said Sawyer. "We want to stress that Hurricane Shelters are a last resort. With advance planning, residents should consider staying at home if the home is in a safe area; staying with local friends or relatives; or relocating outside the area," concluded Sawyer.

If you plan to go to a Red Cross shelter remember to bring the following supplies:

Medicine/Prescriptions

Flashlight/batteries, battery powered radio

Drinking water/snacks

Cot & blanket or sleeping bag and pillow

Special diet food

Toiletries/baby items, if needed

Remember - pets are not allowed in Red Cross Shelters

Anyone interested in receiving more information about how to prepare for, survive and recover from a hurricane - including information on how to create a Hurricane Survival Kit - should contact American Red Cross, Martin County Chapter. Additionally, anyone wishing to volunteer their services should a storm threaten our area should contact the Red Cross for training. Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas including: Disaster Assessment Members; Disaster Response Team Members; Nurses; Shelter Volunteers; Logistics Specialists and others. Volunteers will receive free training by the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter. Volunteers may also register online at www.redcross.org/fl/martincounty.

Your Martin County Chapter of the American Red Cross is funded by local dollars. The chapter receives no federal, state, or local tax dollars to support its local operations. To donate your dollars or time, contact the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter at (772) 287-2002 or visit the Chapter headquarters at 2750 South Kanner Highway, Stuart, Florida, 34994

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