A new program that would train ordinary citizens how to respond in emergency situations and disasters, such as last year's winter storm Nemo, will be unveiled next month according to officials.

"The goal of the program is basically to educate the public on how to take care of their family, to lighten the load on the first responders and then train them, if there ever is a mass casualty, train them in first aid," said Sue Marriott, an emergency room nurse and Wareham resident, at a meeting of the Selectmen Tuesday evening.

Wareham Police Lieutenant John Walcek spoke on behalf of the Local Emergency Planning Committee about the program that's both federally funded and recognized. He said Marriott would be part of its implementation.

Marriott said the program would be taught by professionals and Walcek said it would run in addition to the Medical Reserve Corps, another volunteer emergency preparedness group in town.

Marriott spoke about how overwhelming it was working at the hospital for five straight days dealing with people that were looking for a place to charge their cell phones, for example.

"That was when we decided we need some help,"she said.

She spoke about the need for a manned, functional shelter in town and Walceck said people in this program would be taught how to run a shelter.

In previous storms, Wareham residents have been shipped to shelters in other towns. Walcek said the Army Corps of Engineers and the Red Cross have come to town to look at Decas Elementary School as a possible shelter, but there are still some upgrades that need to be done before that decision is finalized.

"This is citizens helping citizens and the first responders will be free to be first responders and citizens will be able to take care of more people that are less needy," said Selectman Judith Whiteside.

On the subject of shelters, Town Administrator Derek Sullivan mentioned that other municipalities have petitioned hotels in town (like the 90-room hotel soon to be in Wareham) to give town citizens priority in a storm.