Operation Blue Roof: US Army Corps of Engineers lends a hand to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian

ORLANDO, Fla. — The US Army Corps of Engineers is doing its part to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

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.

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Operation Blue Roof: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lends a hand to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian

On Saturday, the USACOE installed the first Blue Roof in Fort Myers for Ms. Barbara Powell, a Georgia native who has lived in Fort Myers for 27 years.

Operation Blue Roof currently includes homes in Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Collier and DeSoto counties.

Read: FEMA approves $150 million in disaster relief for Florida households, here’s how to apply

According to a news release, to qualify for this free program, homes must be primary residences or permanently occupied rental properties with less than 50% structural damage.

The program excludes vacation rental properties.

Read: Orange County Disaster Recovery Center opens Sunday for residents seeking assistance

All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify.

The initial sign-up period is happening now and ends on Oct. 23.

Read: Osceola County Disaster Recovery Center to open Sunday for hurricane assistance

The news release stated that 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.

Read: DCF announces first disaster SNAP program after Ian, here’s how to register

For more information, call 1-888-ROOF-BLU or CLICK HERE.

Read: How can Central Florida residents apply for FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance?

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