In February 2013, a snowstorm dubbed Nemo left 96 percent of Wareham without power at one point. For Selectman Judith Whiteside, the stories she heard left a lasting impact.

“I know people who work at Tobey. I know first responders. They were ready for Nemo, but not for how long the power was out for,” said Whiteside. “Moving people within five miles, especially if they’re elderly, is hard. I heard their stories, and I was appalled.”

Fast forward nearly one year later, and Whiteside has made creating a shelter a priority. Attending the town’s Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting on Jan. 27, Whiteside feels the shelter appears to be feasible.

Decas Elementary is the frontrunner to be a shelter, according to Whiteside. This is due to its location.

However, Decas Elementary’s heating system for the potential shelter is not backed up by a generator.

If needed, the town would not have to wait for Decas Elementary to be up and running.

If an emergency struck, the town could respond, according to Wareham Police Department Lieutenant John Walcek.

“We could open a shelter tonight in one hour, if we had to,” said Walcek.

Whiteside said it may take a year for a true shelter to be put in place with lodging, trained staff and the capacity for food storage and food preparation.

In terms of training, a group of volunteers consisting of emergency service staff and resident would undergo Red Cross training.

Overseeing this training will be Susan Marriott, resident nurse at Tobey Hospital.

According to Walcek, since Wareham has a certified Local Emergency Preparation Committee, it can receive funding from the state and federal emergency management agencies.

“We’re here to make Wareham a safer place,” said Walcek.