Government

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

Published

3 years ago

August 27, 2023

NEW CITY, NY, – It’s time to get ready for the new school year and time to think about school bus safety. Every day in New York State, an estimated 50,000 drivers illegally pass stopped school buses, putting the lives and safety of children at risk.

To make the roads safer for our children, Rockland County has partnered with the company BusPatrol to launch a violator-funded business model allowing districts to equip school buses with cameras on the bus stop-arms at no-cost. Six school districts have officially opted into the Rockland County School Bus Safety program including Pearl River, Nanuet, North Rockland, Clarkstown, Suffern, and Nyack. Drivers caught by those cameras illegally passing activated stop-arms on school buses will then be issued the following penalties by mail: 1st Violation $250, 2nd Violation $275, and 3rd Violation $300 (within an 18-month period).

“Never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing – this means that students are getting on or off the bus. Traffic approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus. Not only will you make the roads much safer for our students, but you will avoid a hefty fine. Remember, too, that yellow lights mean the bus is going to stop, so slow down! We all have a responsibility to make sure students make it to and from school safely,” said County Executive Ed Day.

The Rockland County Department of Health reminds all drivers and students to follow these additional school bus safety tips from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

School bus safety tips for drivers:

Be alert and watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Look for children at bus stops, those running to bus stops, and children who cross in front of the bus when the bus is stopped. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
School buses make frequent stops and typically travel at slower speeds. Be patient, slow down, and be prepared to stop for them. School buses must stop at railroad crossings by law, so be ready to stop at railroad crossings if driving behind a school bus.
Be distraction-free. Never use electronic devices while driving; actively focus on the road and your surroundings.

School bus safety tips for students:

Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives. Wait for the bus at least ten feet, five giant steps, away from the curb. The bus stop is not a place to run or play.
When the school bus arrives, wait until it comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to get on. Use the handrails to avoid falling.
When getting off the bus, take five giant steps straight out the bus door and out of the danger zone (areas around buses where the driver can’t see you). Make sure you make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver to signal you before you cross in front of the bus. Never walk behind a school bus or bend down near or under the bus. Don’t go back for anything you have left on the bus.
Listen to your bus driver in case there are any special instructions for your bus ride. Be sure to sit quietly in your seat and limit distractions.

For more information about school bus safety, visit the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee website https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/tips-motorists-and-students, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/school-bus-safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety.

Government

Rockland County HEAP 2026-2027: Applications Open November 2

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With winter approaching and heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, Rockland County residents will be able to apply for financial assistance through the 2026–2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The Rockland County Department of Social Services announced that applications for Regular HEAP benefits will open Monday, November 2, 2026. The federally funded program helps eligible low-income households pay their home heating bills.

Residents do not need to have a heating emergency or receive a utility shutoff notice to apply. County officials are encouraging eligible households to submit applications early.

“With high heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, HEAP can help eligible low-income households, including older adults, people with disabilities, and families with young children, keep their heat on and stay warm this winter,” said Pat Frawley, Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services.

How Much Heating Assistance Is Available?

For the 2026–2027 heating season, base Regular HEAP benefits for eligible households that pay directly for heating include:

$400 for households using natural gas or electricity.
$990 for households using oil or propane.

Additional benefits may be available depending on household income and whether the household includes a child under age six, an adult 60 or older, or someone with a disability.

Both homeowners and renters may qualify, including some residents whose heating costs are included in their rent. Benefits are generally paid directly to the household’s heating supplier.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on:

Household income and family size.
The type of heating fuel used.
Whether the household includes a young child, older adult or person with a disability.

Households with active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) cases may not need to file a separate Regular HEAP application.

How to Apply

Starting November 2, residents can apply through the following options:

Online: myBenefits.ny.gov
In person or by mail: Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building L, Pomona, NY 10970.
By phone: Call 845-364-3486 to see if you qualify for a telephone application.
By email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
By fax: 845-364-3130.

Residents applying by mail, email, fax or in person must submit a completed and signed application along with the required supporting documents.

Emergency Heating Assistance Begins in January

Additional assistance will become available January 4, 2027, when Emergency HEAP opens for eligible households facing a heating crisis, such as a utility shutoff or a shortage of heating fuel.

Emergency applications cannot be submitted online through myBenefits. Residents must contact the HEAP Unit for assistance.

Homeowners may also qualify for help repairing or replacing heating equipment through the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program, as well as assistance through the Clean and Tune program. Both programs opened October 1, 2026.

Where to Get More Information

For questions about eligibility, applications or available heating assistance, contact the Rockland County HEAP Unit:

Phone: 845-364-3486
Email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
Fax: 845-364-3130

HEAP benefits are subject to available funding. Residents are encouraged to apply early.

Government

Rockland County Warming Center Opens November 1 for Winter

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As colder weather approaches, Rockland County is preparing to provide shelter and essential services to residents experiencing homelessness with the reopening of its Warming Center on November 1.

County Executive Ed Day and Social Services Commissioner Patrick Frawley announced that the Rockland County Warming Center, located at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager Health Center in Pomona, will begin its winter season at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 1.

Operated by the Rockland County Department of Social Services (DSS), the facility can accommodate up to 75 homeless single adults each night, providing a warm and safe place to stay during the cold winter months.

The center will generally operate overnight, allowing guests to stay through the following morning. During periods when temperatures, including wind chill, fall below 32 degrees, the facility will also remain open during daytime hours.

Beyond providing a warm and safe place to rest, the Warming Center will offer guests access to essential services, including hot meals, showers and laundry facilities. On-site staff will also help individuals apply for public assistance benefits, explore job placement opportunities, obtain housing referrals and connect with other supportive services.

Transportation Available From Four Rockland Communities

Transportation to the Warming Center will be available from designated pickup locations in Nyack, Haverstraw, Spring Valley and Pomona.

The transportation schedule is as follows:

Nyack: 7 p.m. at Broadway and Burd Street, in front of First Reformed Church of Nyack.
Haverstraw: 7:30 p.m. from the commuter parking lot across from Village Hall.
Spring Valley: 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at the Spring Valley Bus and Train Station.
Pomona: 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Building L bus shelter on the Health Center campus.

County officials encourage residents who may need assistance, as well as those seeking information for someone experiencing homelessness, to contact the Department of Social Services.

For additional information about the Warming Center and available services, call the Rockland County Department of Social Services at (845) 364-2332 or (845) 608-6670.

Rockland County also operates an Emergency Family Shelter specifically for children and families. You can contact the Rockland County DSS or call their Rockland County Warming Center information line at (845) 364-2332.