Blue Roofs Help Texans Remain In Homes Damaged By Hurricane Ike

AUSTIN, Texas – Federal help is available for eligible homeowners whose residences suffered roof damage as a result of Hurricane Ike.

Operation Blue Roof, funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 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. 

The property must be a primary residence or a permanently occupied rental property.  Vacation rental properties are not eligible.

 “This program is helping some East Texans remain in their homes while they explore permanent repair options,” said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. 

The number to call is 1-888-ROOF-BLU, 1-888-766-3258. To date, more than 700 Blue Roofs have been installed.

“There is no cost to the homeowner for this program and approved contractors will all have proper identification and paperwork,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman.  “Unfortunately, we have heard reports that there may be unscrupulous people trying to take advantage.”

Tips for Texans about Operation Blue Roof:

Beware of solicitations. Homeowners need to visit a Right of Entry collection location to sign up. People going door-to-door to damaged homes or phoning victims and claiming they are with Operation Blue Roof could be frauds.  Blue Roof representatives never solicit participation, nor will they ask for Social Security or bank account numbers.

Look for identification. Corps employees who do assessments for Operation Blue Roof carry U.S. government ID cards. If you don’t see it, ask for it. Contractors who install the Blue Roofs will have a copy of signed Right of Entry form.  No additional form is necessary.

If you get a call.  Representatives from Operation Blue Roof may call to clarify information or location, but they will not ask for sensitive information.  You will be expected to post the Right of Entry form and restrain animals so that contractors can access your property.

Don’t pay.  Operation Blue Roof is free to residents.  FEMA never charges applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or help in filling out applications.  The Corps does not charge, either.

If in doubt. Do not give out information.  Report people claiming to be government workers to local law-enforcement agencies or to the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508. The FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline is 1-866-720-5721.

More information about the Hurricane Ike disaster in Texas is available online at www.fema.gov or www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Operation Blue Roof information is available at www.swf.usace.army.mil. 

                                                                        ####

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).