Scroll down for important phone numbers, websites and more. Stay with Needham Patch as we keep you updated throughout the storm.

As we hunker down to ride out Hurricane Sandy, we want to make sure that Needham stays connected. For live updates during the storm, be sure to download our App for your smartphone or tablet and "like" Needham Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

As you send us messages through social media and email (becca.manning@patch.com), we’ll make sure the information is added here to this story in the comments. If you notice wires down or a tree across the road, please alert authorities and then let us know so we can spread the word quickly. You can comment right on this story to make sure readers know what’s going on in your neighborhood.

The effects of Irene are hard for us to forget and at times, water and batteries were scarce about town. You can share info about where to find these items and who has gotten the latest delivery by commenting below.

Needham Patch is all about connecting neighbors and helping neighbors so we hope you’ll find this information hub helpful as we brave the storm together. Stay safe, Needham!

Cancellations & Closures

Schools (UPDATE Monday, 8 p.m.)—No decision has been made yet on whether Needham Public Schools will be closed or have a delay on Tuesday, according to a quick email response from district Superintendent Dan Gutekanst. The schools were closed all day Monday.

Charles River YMCA (UPDATE Monday, 8:30 p.m.)—Both YMCA locations in Needham plan to have a delayed open on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 8 a.m., to provide time to clear roads after the storm, according to an email sent out to members Monday evening. Babysitting will start at 8:30 a.m., and programming will not begin until noon. Plans are subject to change; visit www.ymcaboston.org/charlesriver for the most up-to-date information. Both YMCA locations were closed as of 1 p.m. on Monday.

Special Town Meeting (Posted Monday, 12:15 p.m.)—Needham's special Town Meeting has been postponed, according to an alert posted on the town website at a little after noon. The meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Powers Hall.

Businesses (Updated Monday, 3:09 p.m.)—The following Needham businesses have posted closures on Facebook, Twitter or elsewhere:

• Comella's was open but now they say they will close all locations at 4 p.m. Monday and reopen at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
• Blue on Highland will remain closed through Monday evening.
• Isis Parenting centers in Needham and elsewhere are all closed on Monday. 
• Taylor's Stationery is closed on Monday.
• Swizzles—According to a Facebook post: “All Swizzles locations will be closed today [Monday] because Hurricane Sandy is making her own swirling creation in the NE. Tomorrow's status TBD. Stay safe, everyone!!”

Needham Free Public Library (Posted Monday, 11:48 a.m.)—The library is closed for now. The building may be opened as a respite center in the case of widespread and lasting power outages in town. 

Town Offices (Posted Monday, 9:08 a.m.)—Needham Town Hall and other non-emergency town offices will be closed on Monday because of the storm, according to a post on the town website. Residents who need to report a weather-related issue such as downed trees or wires should call 781-455-7550 and select Option 2, then Option 1 to be connected to the Department of Public Works Administration.

Athletic Events (Posted Sunday, 10:24 p.m.)—Needham Public Schools Director of Athletics Micah Hauben has announced that all athletic events and practices have been postponed or canceled. The updated schedule for events planned for Monday, Oct. 29 is as follows:

• JV Football game at Natick—CANCELLED
• Middle School Field Hockey vs. Holliston—POSTPONED TBA at Pollard 
• Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Marshfield—POSTPONED to Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. at DeFazio Turf #1
• Girls JV Soccer vs. Marshfield—POSTPONED to Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m. at DeFazio Turf #2
• Girls V/JV/Freshman Volleyball at Dedham—POSTPONED to Tuesday, Oct. 30 (Varsity at 4 p.m., JV and Freshman at 5:15 p.m.)
• Girls Swim/Dive at Newton North—POSTPONED to Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. at Newton North High School
• MIAA DI Golf State Championship—POSTPONED to Monday, Nov. 5 at 9:30 a.m. at Norton Country Club

Still Open

[UPDATED Monday, 3:02 p.m.]

Some local businesses are staying open, at least temporarily, during the storm. Here's an updated list: 

• GARI Japanese Fusion Bistro is still open and taking delivery orders, according to a tweet sent out Monday morning.
• Pronti Bistro is also open, according to their Facebook page, and serving up a nice hot corn chowder.

Reporting a Power Outage

[UPDATED Monday, 6:40 p.m.] With Hurricane Sandy still making its way up the coast toward New England, about 22 percent of NSTAR customers in Needham were reporting power outages at around 6:40 p.m. A total of 2,687 customers in town were without electricity, according to the company's online Outage Map.

[UPDATED Monday, 5:35 p.m.] About 21 percent of Needham customers are now without power as Hurricane Sandy's strong winds continue to take down wires, trees and branches around town. As of 5:35 p.m. NSTAR was reporting a total of 2,592 Needham households without electricity.

[UPDATED Monday, 5 p.m.] At just before 5 p.m., NSTAR was reporting that 19 percent of Needham customers were without power—a total of 2,312 households, according to the company's online Outage Map.

[UPDATED Monday, 4:25 p.m.] About 3 percent of NSTAR customers—a total of 358 homes—in Needham were without power as of 4 p.m. Monday, according to the company's online Outage Map. 

If the power goes out, Needham residents are encouraged to contact NSTAR either by phone at 800-592-2000 or online using the Report an Outage form, and to keep reporting outages if they remain for more than 12 hours.

NSTAR has created an outage map that the company plans to keep updated throughout the storm and its aftermath to keep residents informed of areas that are still without power.

Respite Center

The town of Needham is prepared to open a “respite center” if there are widespread power outages during and after the storm. If opened, the site will give residents a place to catch up on news, charge their cell phones and get out of the house for a bit if the electricity is down for an extended period of time.

If the Needham Free Public Library still has power, it will be the designated respite center; if not, Town Hall is the place to go. The building will be open extended hours, depending on the need.

Important Numbers and Websites 

• In an emergency, dial 911
• Needham Police Department: 781-455-7570
• Needham Fire Department: 781-444-0142
• Department of Public Works: 781-455-7534
• Needham Town Hall: 781-455-7500
• NStar power outages: 800-592-2000 or the Report an Outage form.
• Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)
• RCN: 1-866-TECH-RCN (1-866-832-4726) 
• MBTA Needham Commuter Rail Line
• MBTA Needham Junction Bus 59 

Tow companies:

• R&R Auto of Needham Inc., 781-449-5444
• Suburban Autobody, 781-449-5100‎
• Needham Collision Auto Body Repair Service781-433-0004
• George's Auto Body Service, 781-444-2894
• Needham Service Center,  781-444-5100