July 29, 2024
Rome Tornado Response Information
News
*County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan announced on August 14th that applications for the Rome Victim Recovery Fund will no longer be accepted after August 23, 2024.
“Since the minute the tornado touched down in the City of Rome, our goal was to help those affected as quickly as possible,” Picente said. “I am extremely proud of the recovery and relief efforts the County and City have led and am grateful for every organization and community member that has stepped up to help. The Rome Victim Recovery Fund has provided immediate relief to those who needed it most and I thank the Community Foundation for being our catalyst to make a difference in their lives.”
“On behalf of the City of Rome, I extend my gratitude to Oneida County and the Oneida Herkimer Community Foundation for their swift and compassionate response in establishing the Rome Victim Recovery Fund,” Lanigan said. “In the critical days following the devastating July 16th tornado, this fund provided essential support to those most affected, helping our community begin the healing process. Your partnership has made a profound difference during this challenging time, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment to Rome’s recovery.”
The fund was set up by Oneida County and the City of Rome through the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties to assist residents who were impacted by the July 16, 2024 tornado and did not qualify for government assistance. Applicants were eligible to receive up to $5,000 to utilize for insurance deductibles, electrical hook-ups, securing homes, relocation costs, moderate repairs, tree removal and dumpster rentals.
As of August 14, 553 applications have been approved for more than $1.45 million. The bulk of the funding has been approved for insurance deductible assistance ($559,409) and tree removal assistance ($516,623), followed by relocation assistance ($154,469), repair assistance ($132,281), electrical hook-up assistance ($64,020) and dumpster assistance ($23,409).
The most damage reported has been to roofs, followed by downed trees and broken windows.
Oneida County contributed $1 million to the fund and the rest was raised through donations to the Community Foundation. The United Way was also a partner in the process.
"Oneida County's commitment has been a beacon of hope and a vital force in our collective effort to help Rome residents heal and rebuild following the July 16th tornado," said Community Foundation President/CEO Alicia Dicks. "By uniting our strengths and resources, we turn compassion into meaningful support for those in need. Our goal is to not only provide immediate aid but to foster long-term resilience and renewal. Together, we will make a lasting difference."
The Rome Victim Recovery Fund phone bank will continue to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until Aug. 23. The number to call is 315-798-5206. Those interested in donating to the fund can do so here.
*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.
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.
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
New York State Self Damage Reporting Tool
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.
***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.
