Rome Tornado Response InformationView

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)

*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.*

Resource Numbers

-Dial 211- FOR ALL ASSISTANCE NEEDS

-Dial 988- For Mental Health Resources

-For Emergencies Dial 911

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 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.

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

New York State Self Damage Reporting Tool

***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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