Posted: Sep 16, 2016 11:38 AM CDT Updated: Sep 16, 2016 11:58 AM CDT

At the request of the state, FEMA has approved a 30-day extension to the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program in Louisiana. The program allows eligible Louisiana survivors of August’s severe storms and floods to stay in participating hotels temporarily if they cannot return home.

The TSA checkout date has been extended to Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. FEMA will contact applicants who are eligible for the extension to notify them of their new checkout date.

The TSA program allows eligible disaster survivors whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed to stay in a hotel for a limited time. The cost of the room is paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.

FEMA continues to coordinate with voluntary, local, parish and state recovery partners to assist survivors through outreach and casework to identify and transition them to more suitable temporary or long-term housing.