FEMA Deadline Extended For Sandy Victims

Local residents seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have additional time to file a claim.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Monday that the deadline to register for FEMA assistance has been extended from Dec. 31 to Jan. 28, 2013. This covers residents living in the 13 counties — including Nassau and Suffolk — that were declared disaster areas following Hurricane Sandy.

"As we work to help communities get back on their feet, this extension will be a big help to New Yorkers who were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy," Cuomo said. "As we move into the holiday season and start the New Year, this extension will allow affected families and individuals extra time to apply for much-needed assistance to help rebuild and recover."

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Story by Greg Sleter