Picente Announces $1 Million in Flood Assistance

State of Emergency Remains in Effect; More County Resources Being Deployed

With a State of Emergency still in effect, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that $1 million is being allotted to assist victims with damages and municipalities with clean-up efforts as the result of the unprecedented flooding that occurred on Halloween night.

“Since the moment this historically devastating storm struck on Halloween, Oneida County has been working tirelessly to help those whose lives have been placed in turmoil by this horrific flooding,” Picente said. “I’ve seen the affected areas in Whitesboro, South Utica, Chadwicks, New York Mills and Waterville first hand, and I assure all those who have been impacted that, along with our partners in government, we will continue to do everything in our power to ease your burden.”

Picente said that $500,000 will be allocated to assist flooding victims with repairs to their homes and businesses and will be distributed to those who qualify through the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties.

Flood victims can apply for the funding at emergency service centers that will be set up in the most heavily impacted areas of the county beginning on Monday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by calling the Community Foundation directly at 315-735-8212.

The Oneida County Departments of Health, Mental Health, Social Services and Office for Aging and Continuing Care will also be providing emergency and support services along with the American Red Cross at those emergency service centers until further notice.

The locations are as follows:

• 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

Those flooding victims impacted in other areas who are unable to access the emergency service center locations can report issues and needs to Herkimer-Oneida Organizations Active in Disaster (HOOAD) by calling 2-1-1.

An additional $500,000 in county funding will be made available as a 50/50 split with impacted municipalities to assist with their clean-up efforts. Municipalities can apply for that funding by contacting the Oneida County Department of Public Works.

The Oneida County Department of Public Works is currently servicing the impacted areas in clean-up and disposal efforts and will continue to deploy equipment and resources moving forward.

The State of Emergency issued by the County Executive on Oct. 31 remains in effect until further notice. With some roads in portions of Oneida County and neighboring counties still damaged and in some cases impassable, the County Executive continues to advise against unnecessary travel in and around the impacted areas.

According to the Oneida County Health Department, it is important for those in the impacted areas to be aware of the following:

• Waters that pool on streets and properties carry their own risks. Do not attempt to drive through flood water. Electricity from streetlights and power poles may be active through standing water causing a deadly electric shock to anyone in contact with it also. Anyone who comes into contact with floodwaters should wash any exposed body parts with soap and disinfected or sanitized water.

• Drinking contaminated water could cause serious illness. You cannot assume that the drinking water supply in an area affected by flooding is safe to drink. Listen to local announcements regarding possible boil water notices in your area. Persons with private wells in flooded areas need to be aware of possible contamination by disease-causing organisms making the water unsafe to drink. Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash/prepare food. Drink clean, safe water.

• Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with floodwaters. Discard any foods without a waterproof container if there is a chance it has come into contact with floodwaters. Food containers with screw caps, snap lids and home canned foods should be discarded after coming into contact with flood waters, since they cannot be properly disinfected. When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food and bottled water that comes/may have come into contact with flood water.

• Basic hygiene is of particular concern after a flood. Always wash your hands with soap and clean water. Hands should be washed before preparing or consuming food, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, playing with a pet, after handling uncooked food, handling garbage, after tending to someone who in sick or injured, after coughing or sneezing and after handling articles that may have been contaminated by flood waters.

• Wound Care is important. Keeping wounds clean and covered is crucial during an emergency. If you have open cuts or sores, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap and clean, safe water to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.