Operation Blue Roof Comes to Sarasota County, FEMA resources now available

Operation Blue Roof Comes to Sarasota County, FEMA resources now available

Sarasota County homeowners who suffered damage to their roofs from Hurricane Ian may now be eligible for Operation Blue Roof, a federal program that provides fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. 

Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up and check the status of their applications through the online portal available at BlueRoof.us. The online process takes 5 minutes or less to complete. 

Residents can call the toll-free number at 888-766-3258 to speak to a live operator and apply, but you should expect the process to take up to 20 minutes. Hours of operation for the phone line are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

To qualify for the Blue Roof program: 

·    The home must be the primary residence of the person or household requesting the emergency roof covering; AND 

·    The residence has NO more than 50 percent of the roof framing damaged. The framing must support the plastic sheeting as a temporary repair, and be able to provide safe shelter once contractors install the tarp; AND 

·    The resident certifies that he or she is the owner of the residence requested to be covered OR is a renter that has obtained legal permission to continue occupying the residence until more permanent repairs are made; AND 

·    The resident certifies that they will shelter in the residence that they have requested to be covered; AND 

·    The roof must be standard roof shingles, or a similar material that will allow contractors to nail the tarp in place. 

Contractors will consider repairs to metal roofs and mobile homes on a case-by-case basis and will install the cover if possible. Contractors cannot cover roofs made of materials such as slate, asbestos or clay tile, or other material which would be exceptionally difficult to repair, or would likely be damaged during tarp installation. 

For more information, visit BlueRoof.us. 

FEMA RESOURCES 

Homeowners are advised to document any damage to their homes sustained as a result of Hurricane Ian, including photos, estimates for repair and receipts for repair work or the purchase of supplies used to protect or repair their homes. 

Documentation will be necessary to submit a federal assistance claim to FEMA. Residents can begin the application process at disasterassistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA app online. If you don't have access to internet, you can also apply by phone: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. 

For the latest updates, visit alertsarasotacounty.com, follow along on Facebook and Twitter @SRQCountyGov or text SRQCounty to 888777