A news release from the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center:
Tampa, Fla. - Hillsborough County residents whose roofs were damaged by Hurricane Irma may be eligible to have free temporary coverings installed through Operation Blue Roof.
Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operation for FEMA. The program provides homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting and installation to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.
The service is free. Hillsborough County residents may sign up for the program Sept. 18-22 at the Seffner-Mango Branch Library, 410 N. Kingsway Road, in Seffner. The library is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m., and Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This program is for primary residences or permanently occupied rental properties with less than 50 percent structural damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible. Once the blue roof is installed, the structure must be habitable. Roofs that are flat or made of metal or clay, slate or asbestos tile do not qualify.
Some things residents should know:
* All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify.
* Applicants must grant permission for the Corps of Engineers and its agents to go onto individual properties to install the temporary roof.
* Beware of solicitations. 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 will have a copy of a signed Right of Entry form.
* Representatives from Operation Blue Roof may call to clarify information or location, but they will not ask for sensitive information.
* Pets must be kept inside or properly restrained away in order for workers to safely access the roof.
For more information about Operation Blue Roof and eligibility requirements, call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258), or visit http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/National-Response-Framework/Temporary-Roofing/.