Time Is Running Out For Texans To Apply For Blue Roof Program
Release Date: October 2, 2008
Release Number: 1791-072
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike
AUSTIN, Texas -- The last day Texans can sign up for free temporary roofing repairs to their homes through Operation Blue Roof is Oct. 13.
The program is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Under the program authorized for the disaster recovery, Corps contractors install plastic sheeting as a temporary solution that allows individuals to remain in their residence until they can make more permanent repairs.
Residents must first sign a Right of Entry (ROE) form at one of more than 30 sites throughout Southeast Texas. These ROEs allow crews to come onto private property to install the free temporary roofing.
"We've had a lot of people sign up for the program and have helped a lot of people so far," said Col. Christopher Martin, commander of the Corps of Engineers recovery field office in Pasadena, Texas. "We want to make sure everybody who needs this assistance applies in time."
To date, more than 20,000 Texans impacted by Hurricane Ike have ROEs for Blue Roofs. The Corps already has installed 2,378 blue roofs.
This program is for primary residences or permanently occupied rental properties with less than 50 percent structural damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for the program. Once the blue roof is installed, the structure must be habitable. Not all roof types qualify for the program. Roofs that are flat or made of clay, slate or asbestos tile do not qualify. All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify.
For daily updates on ROE collection site locations, residents can call 1-888-ROOF-BLU
(1-800-766-3258), or visit: www.swf.usace.army.mil and click on "Right-of-Entry Collection Centers."
See The Operation Blue Roof video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WwAEDHQaN8.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 06-Oct-2008 09:52:32