NASHUA — A group of about 13 volunteers with the American Red Cross waited 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 ready with food, water, cots and blankets early Monday morning.

Although just one person had checked into the shelter by the afternoon, Red Cross workers said they anticipated more as the wind was expected to pick up and power outages were predicted.

“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. “If people start arriving, we are ready.”

But it was quiet at the shelter around noontime, 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 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 was expected Monday afternoon throughout Monday night, winds were predicted to diminish by this 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 law enforcement alert, reminding New Hampshire residents to use caution, stay inside and be careful of flying debris due to the high winds.

A nurse was available 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,” said 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 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.

khoughton@newstote.com