NASHUA - A small group of about 13 volunteers with the American Red Cross were ready for Hurricane Sandy to impact southern New Hampshire on Monday.

Organizers at the Nashua emergency shelter, which is set up at Nashua High School South, were prepared with food, water, cots and blankets Monday morning.

Although just four people had checked into the shelter by early evening, Red Cross workers said they anticipated more as the wind was expected to pick up and power outages were predicted to increase.

“We have not set up the cots yet because we just can’t anticipate what will happen, but we do have 50 cots on hand, and have the ability to easily get more if necessary,” said Arlene Burns of the Red Cross. “If people start arriving, we are ready.”

But it was quiet at the shelter for most of the day, as workers were collecting more blankets and towels, organizing their registration table and making sure there was food available for anyone who walked through the door.

“We have planned well for this, and we are ready to fill to capacity,” said Burns. “We will stay open as long as necessary.”

Fletcher Seagroves was also on hand at the local shelter with his ham radio equipment. While it may seem like old-school technology, Seagroves said the battery-operated radios are essential if all other lines of communication fail because of widespread power outages.

“I can talk right to state emergency officials and communicate with the Red Cross headquarters,” said Seagroves.

On Monday, Gov. John Lynch declared a state of emergency, asking residents to stay off the roads after 3 p.m. While severe weather began Monday afternoon and continued throughout Monday night, winds were predicted to diminish by Tuesday morning, according to an advisory alert.

High winds up to about 50 mph were anticipated, with the possibility of more than 3 inches of rainfall, said the Nixle alert, reminding New Hampshire residents to use caution, stay inside and be careful of flying debris due to the high winds.

About 13 percent of the city’s population, or roughly 5,450 residents were without electricity around 5 p.m. on Monday, according to Justin Kates, emergency management director.

“We have a number of trees down and several traffic lights night working,” he said, encouraging residents to stay home and stay indoors. “So far, this is what we expected. This isn’t over yet though, as these winds will continue throughout the night.”

There will be major cleanups on Tuesday morning, according to Kates, who said he expects more people to utilize the shelter once the sun rises.

A nurse was available on Monday at the shelter to assist with any medical needs, but volunteers stressed that shelters are not intended to take the place of a hospital.

“Remember, shelters should be your last choice. If you feel that you need to leave your home, you should make a plan to locate to a friend or family member’s home that has a generator,” says a release issued by the American Red Cross’ New Hampshire chapter. “Shelters are a life boat, not a cruise ship.”

Nashua’s emergency shelter is pet friendly, but crates and leashes must be brought along, in addition to pet food. Residents who do visit the shelter should bring with them bedding, personal hygiene items, medications, games, books and toys to occupy children.

The shelter is located at Nashua High School South, 36 Riverside St.