The day began early in Town Hall, where Town Manager Wayne Marquis reassured about 100 anxious Danversport residents huddled by the building's entrance. "We're going to be with you all the way through this," said Marquis, who stood on a stairwell landing to address the crowd.

Marquis explained the damage suffered by 68 homes Wednesday in the vicinity of Bates and Riverside streets was substantial enough for the town to require they pass a safety inspection before residents could return home. Of that total, the town manager said, 10 homes were likely beyond repair.

"First and foremost, it needs to be done safely," Marquis said of residents' re-entry into Danversport.

By themselves, or through the town, residents must get licensed experts to inspect their home's gas service, electricity and chimney. Danvers Building Inspector Richard Maloney then will determine whether a house is safe to occupy.

People arrived at Town Hall before 10 a.m. to speak with aid workers from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross and the state's insurance division. They were full of concern and questions as they listened to Marquis speak, in the aftermath of the explosion at a chemical plant at 126 Water St. at 2:46 a.m. Wednesday.

One resident asked about his pet, another about air quality. Can insurance adjusters get access to the neighborhood? The streets are being guarded, but what about the river? What if you left your license in your house? Children are scared; who's going to help them?

Marquis and other town officials answered what they could. The air is safe. Adjusters, like residents, need permission from police. The harbormaster and environmental police are patrolling the river. Police can print a version of your license. Schools will provide counseling.

Each time a cell phone rang, the owner answered it despite the setting. Every call was too important to miss.

Residents then took a red numbered ticket to reserve their place in line to talk to the help agencies. The Red Cross was there to resolve immediate problems related to food, clothing or shelter. The state sent representatives to answer questions about insurance. And MEMA assessed what long-term assistance would be needed to rebuild the neighborhood.

Outside, Gov.-elect Deval Patrick talked to reporters.

"It's just a wonderful, wonderful blessing that a catastrophe of this kind could happen and the damage could be limited to property damage," he said.

Patrick also commended the "seamless" response of state and local officials.

"It's the best example of the government behaving and acting at its best," he said.

Residents were also generally happy with the way the town has responded, considering the scope of the disaster.

"Danvers is definitely doing a good job," said Alan Greene of 24 Bates St.

Greene's wife, Tracey, didn't mind being patient about returning home.

"There's no way I'm going back in there unless I'm absolutely sure nothing's wrong," she said.

"They were helpful," Diann Sanborn of 46 Riverside St. said of the Red Cross and state assistance workers. She received food and hotel vouchers.

The emotional toll on people was evident. Some neighbors greeted each other with tearful hugs.

"People were so numb that they were just walking around in a daze," Karen Savini of 20 Riverside St. said of the explosion's immediate aftermath.

But that numbness has faded.

"It's surreal," said Susan Tropeano of 4 Bates Court. "Everybody's been crying a lot."

The problems facing people are large and small. Cheryl McCauley of 29 Bates St. said she just wanted to get back into her home so she could pick up her bills and pay them. Her husband, Keith, said the Thanksgiving feast stored in the refrigerator had spoiled.

In addition to the 10 homes that can't be saved, fire Chief James Tutko said about a dozen homes were extensively damaged and will require reconstruction. People could return to the remaining 50 homes within days, the chief said.

"We want to make sure they're going into a safe environment," Tutko said.

As of yesterday afternoon, Marquis was not optimistic that any residents would be back in their homes by nightfall, but that could change today. Town Hall will again be open, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., to assist people.

Recovery will occur on a house-by-house basis, according to the town manager.

"Every person we can get back into their homes will be a victory," Marquis said.