USACE announces start of Blue Roof Program in response to Hurricane Ian

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District
Published Oct. 3, 2022
Man in hard hat holds clipboard in front of home with crew placing blue tarp on roof.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team member conducts quality assessments as the first Blue Roof is installed in Naples, FL after Hurricane Irma, September 16, 2017 (photo by Andrew Kornacki).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tasked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist eligible homeowners with temporary roof repairs. The Operation Blue Roof program will begin on Oct. 3 to provide a temporary blue covering with fiber-reinforced sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made.

Operation Blue Roof is a free service to homeowners. The counties that have been identified are Charlotte and Lee. The initial sign up period is set for 21 days and will end on Oct. 23.

Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can sign up at Blueroof.us. Here, you can sign up for Blue Roof assistance using a Right of Entry (ROE) form, which gathers information about your residence. The ROE is a legal document that allows Corps workers to access your property and assess your home's damage. The ROE also allows contracted crews to work on your roof.

Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps Engineers. It protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. This program is for primary residences or a permanently occupied rental property with less than 50 percent  of the roof framing damaged. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for this program.

After the blue roof is installed, the structure is declared habitable. Not all roof types qualify for the program. Check the Blueroof.us website for details. All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify.

Residents can also call toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. The website is available 24/7.


Contact
Jim Yocum
publicmail.cesaj-cc@usace.army.mil

Release no. 22-054