BELMONT – Emergency management officials in the Lakes Region were prepared to open emergency shelters late Monday afternoon, but most were waiting to see if the shelters were needed before opening them.

Belmont Fire Department Chief David Parenti said a coordinated effort between emergency management teams in Belmont, Meredith, Gilford and Laconia were working to prepare a shelter at the Laconia Middle School, in case it is needed.

The towns are working with members of the Lakes Region Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT. CERT teams are trained citizen groups which meet throughout the year and are trained for emergencies such as hurricanes.

If the shelters were needed Monday night, they would be staffed by Lakes Region CERT members, Parenti said. “We’re ready in case it happens,” he said.

Franklin and Tilton officials were also ready to set up an emergency shelter in Winnisquam Regional High School in Tilton if necessary late Wednesday.

Franklin Fire Chief Kevin LaChapelle said his city’s emergency operations plan was in effect.

“If a shelter is needed, we’re prepared to open it,” LaChapelle said.

Bristol Fire Chief Steve Yannuzzi said a shelter for Newfound area residents would be opened at Newfound Regional High School, “if necessary.”

“We’re prepared, but we don’t know if this will be bad enough to require a shelter,” he said.
dseufert@newstote.com