According to Sheriff Robert Maciol, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to prepare for forecasted winter weather expected over the next five days, which may include heavy snowfall in the northern portions of the county, dangerously low temperatures with wind chills forecasted as low as -20°F and potentially much lower in certain areas.
Residents are encouraged to:
Per Oneida County Sheriff’s Office guidance, animals left outside are at serious risk in extreme cold. Bring pets indoors whenever possible. Ensure pets have adequate shelter, unfrozen water, and protection from wind and snow. Limit time outdoors and watch for signs of cold-related distress.
In a post to their Facebook page, the city of Rome warns that cold weather increases the risk of house fires. safety tips: • Use space heaters properly and never overload extension cords • Keep heaters away from anything flammable • Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working • Make sure furnace and hot water heater vents and air intakes are clear of snow and debris • A free smoke detector installation program is offered through the American Red Cross. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out to RFD at (315) 339-7784.
Resources for residents during extreme winter weather
In an advisory statement, Hochul invited New Yorkers to sign up for “Weather and Emergency Alerts” by texting 333111.
To report electric or gas outages or issues: National Grid: Electric: 800-867-5222 Long Island (gas): 1-800-490-0045 Metro NYC (gas): 1-718-643-4050 Upstate (gas): 1-800-892-2345
Warming centers opening
Mohawk Valley residents are encouraged to check city, town, police department, and county sheriff’s offices websites and social media pages for updates on weather conditions and emergency services. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. announced that the County Office Building, will serve as a warming center overnight from 8 p.m. through 8 a.m. from Jan. 23 through Jan. 26.
The Oneida County Office of Family and Community Services (DFCS) has set the warming center up as a seating area on the first floor of the County Office Building, while the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office will provide security.
“We are working diligently with our partners at the Rescue Mission to make sure those who do not have shelter are cared for,” said Picente in a statement. “In order to accommodate as many people as possible and complement other such services provided by other partners like the Cornerstone Community Church, we will once again be opening the County Office Building to offer respite to those in need.”
Other warming centers include the Utica Rescue Mission and the South Rome Senior Center.
In addition to the warming center, the Rome Fire Department UTV will be out on our trail systems throughout the weekend to assist anyone in need.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Mohawk Valley stresses safety prior to incoming winter storm
Reporting by Cara Dolan Berry, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
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