When buildings that house essential  community services, such as school classrooms, police and fire department  facilities, government offices, and certain private nonprofit functions, such  as critical health facilities, are damaged extensively enough that they  cannot be used until repairs are made, Temporary  Relocation of the essential services may be  necessary. Criticality of the service and safety of the facility are the  factors used to determine the need for temporary relocation. The costs  associated with temporary relocation are eligible but are subject to cost comparisons  of alternate methods of providing facilities. Maintenance, utilities and  operating costs of the temporary facility are not eligible.
   The decision whether to rent or purchase space  and equipment must be based on cost effectiveness. The length of time that  rental or purchase costs are eligible will be based on the time estimated to  complete repair work that will bring the damaged facility to pre-disaster  design. Normally, the period of time for which temporary relocation  assistance may be provided is 6 months, based on the regulatory time  limitation for the completion of emergency work (44 CFR 206.204(c)).  Extensions are possible if the applicant can document extenuating  circumstances and the progress required by FEMA policy (see Time Limits).
   References:   Section 403(a)(3)(D) of the Stafford Act
   Provision of Temporary Relocation Facilities,  FEMA Policy 9523.3, dated July 16, 1998
   Medical Care and Evacuations, FEMA Policy  9525.4, dated August 17, 1999
   Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322, pages 38-39,  73, 138-139