U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installs First Blue Roof in Orleans Parish
USACE contractors install reinforced plastic sheeting, Sept. 8, on the first home in south eastern Louisiana to benefit from Operation Blue Roof since Hurricane Ida hit the region. The program is a FEMA assigned mission managed by the Corps of Engineers. The temporary roofs are designed to reduce further damage to property and allow homeowners to return to their homes while recovering from a storm.

(Photo Credit: Carol Vernon) VIEW ORIGINAL

VICKSBURG, Miss. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is announcing the installation of the first Blue Roof in Orleans Parish, Sept. 8.

The installation is a part of the FEMA assigned Corps-managed Operation Blue Roof program. The program's primary goal is to provide as many storm-damaged eligible roofs with protection from further damage from rains for future storms. Additionally, it seeks to provide residents with a livable house while they recover from the effects of Hurricane Ida.

Candace Pepp, a mother of three, was the first to receive the professionally installed, fiber-reinforced sheeting on her house.

"I feel so truly blessed to be able to have the Corps of Engineers come out and place this roofing on my house," said Ms. Pepp, the homeowner. "The night before the roof was installed, it rained. I was up all night looking for leaks and worrying about whether my roof was going to hold. I just needed to be sure my children were safe."

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installs First Blue Roof in Orleans Parish
USACE contractors install reinforced plastic sheeting, Sept. 8, on the first home in south eastern Louisiana to benefit from Operation Blue Roof since Hurricane Ida hit the region. The program is a FEMA assigned mission managed by the Corps of Engineers. The temporary roofs are designed to reduce further damage to property and allow homeowners to return to their homes while recovering from a storm. (Photo Credit: Carol Vernon) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Blue Roof program is a no-cost service for homeowners.

"Today's installation of the first Blue Roof is significant. It marks the start of the FEMA's and Army Corps' push to get temporary roofs on eligible storm-damaged houses in this area," said Col. Zachary L. Miller, Commander, Hurricane Ida Response Team. "Every home is equally important. But you can't get to 50,000 without starting with one."

Operation Blue Roof 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. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for this program.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installs First Blue Roof in Orleans Parish
USACE contractors install reinforced plastic sheeting, Sept. 8, on the first home in south eastern Louisiana to benefit from Operation Blue Roof since Hurricane Ida hit the region. The program is a FEMA assigned mission managed by the Corps of Engineers. The temporary roofs are designed to reduce further damage to property and allow homeowners to return to their homes while recovering from a storm. (Photo Credit: Carol Vernon) VIEW ORIGINAL

After installation of the blue roof, the structure is declared habitable. However, not all roof types qualify for the program. For example, flat roofs or made of metal or clay, slate, or asbestos tile do not qualify for the program.

Residents can sign up for the program at Blueroof.us Once on the website, residents can sign up for Blue Roof assistance using a Right of Entry (ROE) form, which gathers information about the residence.

The ROE is a legal document that allows Corps workers to access your property and assess your home's damage. The ROE also allows contracted crews to work on your roof. Residents can call toll-free 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for more information regarding this program.