TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Yesterday, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) installed the first Blue Roof in Fort Myers. Operation Blue Roof provides a temporary blue tarp-like covering to help reduce further damage to property and provide residents with a livable house while they recover from Hurricane Ian. This service is free to homeowners, and the initial sign-up period is ongoing, ending on October 23.

This program currently includes homes in Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Collier, and DeSoto counties. To qualify for this free program homes must be primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50% structural damage, excluding vacation rental properties. All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify.

Residents must sign a Right of Entry form to allow USACE workers to assess the roof and install the tarp. To provide sign-ups in areas that may not be able to access the call center or website, the USACE has gone door-to-door and is identifying locations for mobile signup locations in southwest Florida neighborhoods.

For more information, call 1-888-ROOF-BLU or visit this site.

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