Volunteers Continue Snow Removal Assistance To Oswego County Residents

OSWEGO COUNTY- Assistance to county residents for snow removal continued Friday by volunteers with Team Rubicon.

The team arrived Thursday morning and began removing snow from entrances to the homes and driveways of individuals who have been unable to safely leave their homes or have essential services delivered to them. “There is so much need in the county, even more than a week after the storm ended,” said Tyler Peet, Emergency Management Coordinator at the Oswego County Emergency Management Office. Team Rubicon will be in the county through Saturday.

As of Friday morning, 178 calls for snow removal assistance have been received through two hotlines established by Oswego County. “We’re working to find resources to meet the need, but is not guaranteed that every resident requesting assistance will be able to receive these services,” Peet said. “Residents should continue pursuing alternative snow removal services in case Team Rubicon is not able to respond.”

Residents can call 211 or the Oswego County phone bank at 315-349-3330 to request assistance with snow removal. The Oswego County phone bank operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while 211 representatives are available 24/7 for calls. Homeowners will have to provide their name, address, contact information, details about the snow removal needed, and any complicating factors, such as medical concerns, accessibility or functional needs, etc.

“If anyone waiting for snow removal services from Team Rubicon ends up receiving help elsewhere, they should call the phone bank back to cancel their request,” Peet continued. We encourage people to check on their family members, friends, and neighbors, and assist those in need when possible. Those that live near fire hydrants are asked to help emergency services by clearing them of snow if they can do so safely.”

Oswego County has coordinated with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to provide snow removal from fire hydrants in municipalities that have requested assistance.

Throughout the storm, Oswego County has seen a rise in snow removal related injuries and a significant increase in structural collapses. Oswego County Fire Coordinator Shane Laws reported that since the storm began, there have been 67 collapses reported to the county’s E-911 Communications Center.

Residents are reminded to contact a professional for roof snow removal, as the added weight of snow from the recent rain causes an increased potential for collapses. People should also be cautious of heavy melting snow falling from roofs. Anyone at risk of a collapse or experiencing one should immediately call 911. Those displaced due to a collapse may be able to receive temporary assistance from the American Red Cross.

Callers to the snow removal assistance phone banks should be aware that they may not receive help on the same day that they request it. Those approved for services can expect volunteers to arrive the next day, at the earliest. Homeowners must be home at the time of service in order to sign a waiver for Team Rubicon. Volunteers will provide snow removal to ensure members of the household and emergency services are able to quickly and safely access the residence. They will be assisting with shoveling, clearing of exterior vents and meters, and roof raking when possible. Volunteers will be wearing identifiable clothing that shows they are members of the team.

While snow removal provided by the volunteers of Team Rubicon is at no cost to the homeowner, residents that obtain alternative snow removal assistance will be responsible for paying for the service. The Oswego County Purchasing Department has compiled a list of snow removal services in the county that residents can reach out to if needed. The list has been updated to include information on which companies may be able to provide roof clearing. To view the list, visit https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/public_information/snow_resources.php.

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