News
Please see letter below from Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan requesting New York State aid for the Rome tornado recovery efforts. The letter was sent to Gov. Hochul on July 23, 2024.
Funds
Rome Victim Recovery Fund
County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan announced on July 24 that applications are now being accepted for the Rome Victim Recovery Fund that is being distributed through the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties.
Rome residents who were impacted by the July 16, 2024 tornado, and do not qualify for government assistance services, will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 to utilize for the following, but not limited to:
- Insurance deductibles
- Electrical hook-ups
- Securing homes
- Relocation costs
- Moderate repairs
- Tree removal
- Dumpster rentals
A phone bank operated by Oneida County is now available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to take applications. The number to call is 315-798-5206.
Oneida County has contributed $1 million to the fund and an additional $175,000 has been raised by the Community Foundation so far. The United Way is also a partner in the process. Those interested in donating to the fund can do so here.
Rome Business Emergency Fund
In response to the devastating tornado that has affected the City of Rome, the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Rome and Oneida County, is accepting applications for its Rome Business Emergency Fund.
The Rome Business Emergency Fund will be used to provide financial aid to Rome businesses that have suffered hardships from the F2 confirmed tornado and storm.
The application for the Rome Business Emergency Fund is open to all Rome businesses and can be found here:https://business.romechamber.com/form/view/33651
Read the full news release here.
Community Services
*All Oneida County tornado relief services are available at the the county's relocated temporary offices at 100 W. Dominick Street (former Berkshire Bank building). National Grid and and the Neighborhood Center's Mobile Crisis Assessment Team also have an onsite presence. These services are available to EVERYONE.
All county services that were available at the county's tornado-damaged facilities at 300 W. Dominick Street are also available at 100 W. Dominick Street except for the Department of Motor Vehicles. DMV services remain available at Union Station in Utica or online here.
The hours of operation for the county’s new temporary 100 W. Dominick Street site will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until July 26 before transitioning back to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning on July 29.
The offices at 100 W. Dominick Street can be reached by calling 315-356-2800.
*Herkimer Oneida Organizations Active in Disaster (HOOAD) is urgently seeking assistance from the community to report debris removal needs by calling 211.
While HOOAD cannot guarantee assistance for every reported need, identifying a strong and clear demand significantly increases the chances of bringing in the necessary support teams. Community input is essential in demonstrating the urgency and scope of the situation to mobilize resources effectively.
Trained volunteers are essential when operating chainsaws and other equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. However, local volunteers will be utilized whenever possible to support the recovery efforts.
In addition to debris removal, residents can call 211 to report other unmet needs resulting from the tornado. This includes:
- Housing: Assistance with finding temporary or long-term shelter.
- Food: Access to emergency food supplies and meals.
- Medical Needs: Help with obtaining necessary medications or medical equipment.
- Referrals: Connections to various local services and support organizations.
- Financial Assistance: Information on financial aid for disaster recovery.
- Mental Health Services: Support and counseling for those affected by the disaster.
*There are dumpsters at the following locations for public usage for CONSTRUCTION & DEBRIS MATERIAL ONLY.
These dumpsters are not to be used for household garbage (including food), household appliances and/or green waste.
- Henry St. between S. Jay and S. Madison (north side)
- Matthew St. between S. Jay and S. Madison (north side)
- Matthew St. just off S. Madison between S. Madison and S. George (south side)
- W. Court St. just off N. Washington St. (inside cones)
- 400 N. Washington on W. Embargo St. (north side)
- N. James St. in front of 411 N. James St. (west side)
- N James St. in front of old Family Video parking lot (east side)
- N. George St. in front of city owned lot next to 202 N. George (east side)
- Triangle Park on Lincoln Ave near Garden St.
- Jefferson Ave. between Sherman and Valentine (north side)
- Front of 105-107 N. Crescent Dr. (west side)
- Lyndale Dr. in parking area at old plaza (east side)
- 205 Crossgates on Dwight Dr. (north side)
*Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency in collaboration withKeep Making Suds Laundromatis offering laundry service for low-income families that were affected. They will pay for the washers and dryers and will supply the items needed to wash and dry laundry and bags to put clean laundry in.
It is availableon July 24andJuly 25 from6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Keep Making Suds Laundromat located at745 Erie Blvd. W., Rome, NY 13440. Other dates may be added. Volunteers needed.
*The United Way's Ride United Service is offering rides from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lyft is crediting rides within Rome for up to $26 each way. Those requiring longer distance rides, will be charged beyond the $26 initial credit. Those needing rides over the weekend should schedule them ahead of time during the week. Ride requests can be made here.*
*Red Cross is offering services from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until July 27 at the lot at W. Liberty and North James streets.
*Connected Community Schools schedule at 207 N. James Street:
-Breakfast 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
-Lunch noon to 2 p.m.
-Dinner 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Resource Numbers
-Dial 211- FOR ALL ASSISTANCE NEEDS
-Dial 988- For Mental Health Resources
-For Emergencies Dial 911
State of Emergency Order
County Executive Picente has modified the storm emergency order to rescind the following provisions: imposing a curfew in designated areas; closing streets to pedestrian and vehicle traffic in designated areas; and closing places of public amusem*nt and assembly along the streets and sidewalks in designated areas.
The other provisions of the storm emergency order remain in effect, including those provisions authorizing the establishment and continuance of emergency shelters; preventing non-essential and unauthorized entry into damaged buildings unless necessary to protect life; barring looting, pillaging, and rioting; and directing all appropriate aid from County departments, offices, and agencies.
This order goes in effect July 22, 2024 and expires July 26, 2024. It can be viewed here.
National Grid Power Restoration & Info
*As of July 22, 2024 all National Grid customers whose power is capable of being restored has been restored. Please see the information below that explains what residents are responsible for and other power/gas restoration resources.
-The building permit fee has been waived for all storm damage. Obtain a building permit from the City of Rome here.
-Obtain an electrical permit application from the City of Rome here.
-Make sure you have a local, qualified electrician complete any necessary repairs.
-Have an electrical inspection completed using City of Rome approved third party inspector. List here.
-Once the inspection is completed, the inspector must call National Grid (1-800-664-6729) with that information.
-Once National Grid has received the inspection information, service should be restored within 24 hours.
-Please note to have gas services turned on, a residence must have electrical services.
New York State Food and Prescription Medication Spoilage Claims
Per National Grid -In New York State, customers who experience an electricity or natural gas outage at their National Grid service address that lastsat least 72 consecutive hoursare eligible to request reimbursem*nt for loss of food and/or prescription medication under the terms of Public Service Law 73. Requests for such reimbursem*nts must be filed within 14 days of the 72-hour outage mark, regardless of current outage status.
Go here for more information and to learn how to file a claim.
Green Waste Removal Advisory
Due to the Tornado that struck the City of Rome on July 16, 2024 there is a significant amount of natural debris and household/construction debris. City, County and State public works employees have cleared the majority of roads in the city, and are preparing to begin removing the green waste from the curbs and sidewalks.
The process of debris removal is a lengthy process that is sure to take several weeks to complete. Cooperation from the public is key to ensuring that the crews can safely and efficiently complete their work, and we ask for your continued patience during this difficult time.
An initial removal of green waste will occur, followed by household/construction debris.
We ask that if you have any green waste, and are able to safely do so, please bring it to the curb for removal. The city is not able to enter private property to remove debris.
Green Waste is defined as: “grass, grass clippings, leaves, bushes, shrubs, tree limbs, branches, twigs. Green waste must be free of stones, paper, plastic pots/trays, metal, food scraps, and animal waste. Green waste cannot contain any household garbage. Wood debris from construction and building material is NOT green waste.”
When the initial removal of green waste debris removal we will transition to household/construction debris removal. The removal of household/construction debris is regulated and specific guidelines MUST be followed in order to be removed. If the regulations are not followed we are unable to pick up or dispose of this debris. The removal of green waste will continue during and after the removal of household/construction debris. When this process begins and there is sufficient room at the curb without placing debris in the roadway Green Waste and household/construction debris can be placed to the curb at the same time, but MUST remain separated.
Please follow the attached guide when placing household/construction debris to the curb for removal.
For further information contact:
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Office of the Commissioner
ROME CITY HALL, 198 N. WASHINGTON STREET
ROME, NEW YORK 13440-5815
Telephone: (315) 339-7635 Fax: (315) 838-1167
New York State Self Damage Reporting Tool
In collaboration with affected counties, New York State has developed this online form allowing residents to self-report damages to their homes and/or businesses. The purpose of this form is solely to collect information that may help State and local officials identify supplemental damages to develop and augment potential requests for available federal assistance programs.
This form is NOT an application for relief programs.
Please note:
- Do not use this form to report immediate, life-threatening needs. Call 911.
- Reporting damage is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, nor does it guarantee disaster relief assistance.
- Please submit one survey per affected housing unit or business.
- This form is for damages that occurred in New York State only.
You can access the self damage reporting tool here.
Videos
Update Briefings
*Together We Rebuild Rome: Watch the "Copper Hearts" Video Here
***BE ADVISED***
If you see the sign below on a building or residence, it is simply a searcher reference. It does not mean the structure is good to reoccupy nor does it mean the structure is being demolished. It merely is a reference for the searchers.