Oneida County Continues to Assist Flood Victims, Municipalities

Shelter Available to All in Need

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today updated the county’s ongoing response to the devastating Halloween flooding, including the availability of shelter to those without power, heat or water as cold weather enters the area.

“With the temperature predicted to drop over the next few days, I urge anyone whose home is currently without power, heat or water to call 2-1-1 or report to one of our disaster assistance centers to obtain shelter through the county,” Picente said. “There is no reason anyone should have to go cold or hungry during this difficult time. We can put you in a safe place immediately.”

Those in need of shelter can obtain hotel vouchers from the Oneida County Department of Social Services at the centers immediately upon request.

The county’s disaster assistance centers are in the following locations:

• Whitesboro Fire Department, 171 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro
• West Canada Creek Estates,12275 State Route 28, Poland (Town of Deerfield)
• Willowvale Fire Department, 3459 Oneida St., Chadwicks
• The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, 2608 Genesee St., Utica

All four of the county’s disaster assistance centers will remain open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Nov. 8. The Whitesboro site will also be open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12-14.

Flood victims can apply for the $500,000 Picente has made available for home and business repairs at the centers or by calling 2-1-1 or the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties at 315-735-8212. Municipalities seeking a portion of the $500,000 the County Executive has allocated for cleanup costs should contact the Oneida County Department of Public Works.

In addition to financial assistance, the Oneida County Departments of Health, Mental Health, Social Services and Office for Aging and Continuing Care will continue to provide emergency and support services at each center.

Phone charging stations are available at the Whitesboro, Deerfield and Chadwicks centers and Picente said that portable showers are now available at the corner of Main Street and Ablett Avenue in Whitesboro and at the West Canada Creek Estates, which also has portable bathrooms.

DPW has been in the impacted areas assisting with clean-up efforts by hauling away debris and trash and will continue to do so.

Since the disaster assistance centers were set up on Nov. 4, more than 360 people have received services including being housed in hotels and being given food vouchers and gift cards for supplies.