FEMA extends hotel stays for Sandy victims

Long Islanders staying in hotels because they were displaced by superstorm Sandy can remain there until Feb. 10, instead of needing to check out this weekend.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a 14-day extension to the transitional sheltering assistance program, which funds hotel rooms for people who cannot return to their homes due to storm damage, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said in a news release Thursday. The previously scheduled checkout date had been Sunday.

This is the fourth extension of the program, which began Nov. 3. Earlier this month, nearly 1,000 Long Island households were enrolled in the program, which provides temporary housing while families find longer-term solutions.

In order to be eligible for the program, residents must be checked in by Saturday. People who experienced storm damage can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, on mobile devices at m.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 800-462-7585). For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), residents may call 800-621-3362.