Shelter and Warming/Cooling Centers

Emergency Shelter

The Town of Hanover’s Emergency Shelter is located at the Hanover High School, 287 Cedar Street, and can shelter up to 100 individuals if necessary. This location is also designated as the Regional Alternate Shelter to the primary Regional Shelter in Weymouth. The school facility provides several amenities that ensure effective and efficient operations for up to 72 hours including, but not limited to:

  • Emergency Generator
  • Fully Stocked Kitchen
  • Large Dormitory Area
  • Large Breakout Areas
  • Bathroom/Shower Facilities
  • Medical/First Aid Supplies
  • Area for Pet Sheltering

Hanover’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers are charged with providing primary staffing for the emergency shelter. Numerous groups supplement CERT Volunteers as necessary, including Hanover Public Safety staff, Hanover Public Schools staff, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the local Boy Scout Troop. Hanover CERT conducts several training events and drills throughout the year to ensure a state of readiness if/when an Emergency Shelter is needed.

Warming/Cooling/Charging Center

The Town of Hanover has the capability to open a warming/cooling/charging center based on local needs and other factors. Hanover Emergency Management works in collaboration and coordination with both the Community Services Department and Council on Aging as well as the John Curtis Public Library to ensure proper facilities are available to meet the needs of the community. 

The goal of a warming/cooling/charging center is to provide a safe location for residents to utilize during severe weather and/or extended power outage events. This Center would be opened when the full emergency shelter is not necessary, but a facility is needed to afford residents an opportunity to stay warm, stay cool, or to charge phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. In the recent past, this Center has also been utilized by residents who need internet connections during extended power outages.

Typically, Emergency Management will utilize the John Curtis Library (during normal business hours) to provide these services. During off hours, the Hanover Council on Aging is utilized.

Hanover Emergency Management is part of an agreement with the Norwell Emergency Management and Rockland Emergency Management agencies to collaborate and coordinate the opening of warming/cooling/charging centers when needed. This agreement enhances the collaboration and coordination of resources to ensure the residents of all three communities are provided with safe and reliable services when necessary, without overburdening each individual town.