JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Just one week after Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida and two days after the program was announced, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District has started installing temporary roofing tarps known as Blue Roofs on homes in Florida that sustained roof damage during the storm.
Photos and B-roll video of Blue Roof installation is available at:
https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=BLUE+ROOF&filter%5Bdate%5D=1w&view=grid
Story and photos of Blue Roof installation are available at:
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/483355/usace-blue-roof-installs-begin-sarasota-record-pace
"Today is a really proud moment installing the first blue roof and helping the people of Florida get back into their homes and start putting their lives back together," said Col. Brandon Bowman, Commander, Jacksonville District.
USACE is tasked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist eligible homeowners with temporary roof repairs. The Operation Blue Roof Program provides temporary blue covering with fiber-reinforced sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made.
The 25 eligible counties included in the program are Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. The initial sign-up period is set for 21 days and ends November 5.
Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov, by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or by visiting an ROE collection center throughout the affected areas. ROE collection center locations are listed on the website www.blueroof.gov. 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 USACE workers to access your roof and gives permission for contracted crews to work on your roof.
Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the USACE on behalf of FEMA. 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 structural damage.
Residents can call toll free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) or visit our website www.blueroof.gov for more information.
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