Rome Tornado Response Daily Updates View

*A free Centro bus run has been set up to take residents on July 23 and July 24 from the county's mobile response site at Liberty and James streets in downtown Rome to the Price Chopper on Black River Boulevard.

You can access the tool here.

Together We Rebuild Rome: Watch the "Copper Hearts" Video Here

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 amusement 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.

Oneida County Distributing Emergency Supply Cards to Rome Residents in Need of Immediate Assistance

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan announced today the Oneida County Department of Social Services is distributing gift cards to Rome residents in urgent need of food, water and other essential commodities as tornado recovery efforts continue.

The cards are available at Oneida County's two mobile operations units located at the corner of N. James Street and Liberty Street parking lot. As part of the distribution, residents will undergo a brief screening by social services staff so their exact needs can be identified and addressed, but the cards are available to EVERYONE, not just those who receive regular county assistance.

"Our recovery operation is a 24/7 effort," Picente said. "Not everyone can wait to receive financial assistance for critical health and safety needs. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure residents have immediate access to essential services."

The mobile operations units can also help coordinate public assistance, aging services and health and mental health referrals. Phone charging stations are available.

Hours of Operation - Mobile Operations Units

July 22 - July 26 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Free Tornado Cleanup Supplies Available Monday, July 22 at Rome Lowe's

Area residents can pick up free cleanup supplies (while supplies last) on Monday, July 22 at Lowe's in Rome (1230 Erie Blvd. West) starting at 10 a.m. The store will distribute more than 800 Lowe's blue buckets. Each bucket is packed with disinfectant wipes, goggles, paper towels, water, heavy-duty contractor trash bags, a flashlight and batteries.

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 lasts at least 72 consecutive hours are eligible to request reimbursement for loss of food and/or prescription medication under the terms of Public Service Law 73. Requests for such reimbursements 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.

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.

Mobile Operations Units

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and City of Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan announced today they are deploying two mobile operations units this weekend in the City of Rome to ensure residents have access to essential health and human services, including public assistance, health and mental health referrals and aging services. The mobile operations units will also be able to answer general inquiries pertaining to tornado recovery efforts.

The mobile operations units will be stationed at the corner of N. James Street and Liberty Street parking lot and will be staffed by Oneida County personnel, including staff from the Department of Social Services, Department of Health and Department of Mental Health. Phone charging stations will be also be available.

Mobile Operations Units Hours of Operation

July 22 - July 26 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The schedule for the mobile operations units will be re-evaluated before the end of next week.

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

www.romenewyork.com

*As of July 22, 2024, 99.9% of roads are passable. There are road closures next to St. Mary's and First Presbyterian Church due to collapse risk.*

Curfew Affected Area Map

*As of July 22, 2024 all National Grid customers who are capable of having their power restored are restored. Please see the information below that explains what residents are responsible for.

*Lyft is crediting rides within Rome for up to $26 each way up until 8 p.m. Those requiring a longer distance ride, will be charged beyond the $26 initial credit. Ride requests can be made here.*

*A fund has been set up Oneida County and the City of Rome through the Community Foundation to distribute financial assistance those directly affected by the Rome tornado. You can donate here.*

-Red Cross - 394 Hangar Road (Pet Friendly) Shelter for displaced individuals

-Dial 211- Information and Referrals

-Dial 988- For Mental Health Resources

-For Emergencies Dial 911

Water available 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of 394 Hangar Road.

Water available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the lot at James and Liberty streets.

-There are phone charging stations at the shelter, City Hall and the county's mobile unit locations at North James and Liberty streets. Users will have the option to lock their phone in the unit and leave it to charge.

-Connected Community Schools schedule at 207 N. James Street:

***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.

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