Sandy relief deadline draws near

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A deadline is approaching for any Rhode Islanders who were impacted by Superstorm Sandy and hope to receive disaster recovery assistance from the government.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says applicants for assistance must register before Jan. 14.

FEMA Coordinating Officer James Russo says it's important for residents who experienced losses in the storm to register even if they aren't sure they qualify for assistance.

FEMA says more than 500 households have registered for assistance. They've received more than $800,000 worth of grants and loans to pay for repairs, rent, medical bills and other expenses.

The agency says 71 government entities and nonprofits have requested aid and received around $213,000 as of Sunday.