Storm damage in the Rockaways

New York’s Rapid Repairs program has completed the work on more than 10,000 houses impacted by Hurricane Sandy, the New York Post reported. The program offers free emergency repairs on heat, power and hot water systems to New Yorkers unable to return to their homes because of the storm. The program is funded primarily by FEMA. [more]

From left: Marc La Vorgna, Mayor Bloomberg and a storm-battered home in Queens

Amid unprecedented demand for repair services and a shortage of electricians, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s press secretary, Marc La Vorgna, defended the city’s efforts in its Rapid Repairs program, NY1 reported. Dubbed NYC Rapid Repairs, the program was established in the wake of Hurricane Sandy to provide free emergency repairs, including fixes to heat, power, hot water and other services, to affected property owners. [more]