Aaron Albrecht, coordinator of OCSAR, said members of six teams throughout the state, including the Oswego County team, will be in the county beginning Wednesday, March 5 to help with post-storm response.
“They’ll be able to help people who have asked for snow removal help through our call centers,” said Tyler Peet, emergency management coordinator for the Oswego County Emergency Management Office. “Their tasks can include clearing snow from heat exhaust vents, clearing out an emergency egress for a home, and clearing a propane/fuel oil filling point.”
Formed in 1971, Oswego County Search and Rescue is a highly skilled team that assists various law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, fire and rescue departments, emergency management office, and the NYS Federation of SAR Teams.
“Our team is dedicated to providing professional and efficient services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community,” Albrecht said. “The teams that comprise the NYS FEDSAR have the same mission.”
The teams will be housed at the Hannibal Volunteer Fire Department during their stay in Oswego County, and the American Red Cross of Central and Northern New York will provide meals and other supplies.
“Our team is composed of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about helping others,” Albrecht said. “We come from all walks of life but share a common goal of serving our community.”
“Our members are trained in various search and rescue techniques and are equipped with the necessary tools to respond to emergency situations,” he continued. “As we visit people impacted by the snow, we’ll be able to do a welfare check. This mission fits with what we’re able to provide to the community.”
Volunteers will be coming from OCSAR, Northeast Mobile SAR in Saratoga, Massasauga SAR from Monroe County, Cayuga County SAR, Boonville SAR from Oneida County, and Wilderness SAR from Onondaga County.
Calls for snow removal assistance are still being accepted by 211.
“It is still not guaranteed that every resident requesting assistance will be able to receive these services,” Peet said. “There may be more volunteers available, but residents should continue pursuing alternative snow removal services.”
When residents call 211 to request assistance with snow removal, they will need 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.
A list of snow removal services in the county is available at https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/public_information/snow_resources.php.
Residents must pay for these services.
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.
“Please continue to follow our news on www.oswegocounty.com and on social media, and continue to follow the advice of local officials,” Peet said. “People in Oswego County are resilient and often take care of their neighbors. We’re counting on them to continue that outreach.”
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