City officials met with residents in the Rockaways on Sunday to describe "Rapid Repairs," a program beginning this week that will allow locals to speed up the process to repair homes damaged by Sandy and allow for the faster restoration of power.

Officials from several government agencies said starting Tuesday, the Rapid Repairs program will have contractors, plumbers and electricians go door to door to repair damaged homes.

Homeowners can also make their own arrangements for repairs and apply through FEMA for reimbursement.

Officials said the lack of red tape will make it easier for the Long Island Power Authority to restore power as quickly as possible, once damaged equipment is repaired.

"Don't worry about permitting with us. Get your contractor, get the work going," said Donald Ranshte of the Department of Buildings. "Your engineer or your architect will come in later and file with us and we'll take care of that on the back end."

"A house, or an apartment complex or a commercial building where the electrical facilities were underwater, it is a safety problem. And I'm very proud that the City of New York has streamlined the process," said Nick Lizanich of LIPA.

To make an appointment for Rapid Repair service, visit nyc.gov. Homeowners must also register for a FEMA ID number from disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362.