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Operation Blue Roof logo

Operation Blue Roof
Temporary Roofing/Repairs

What is Operation Blue Roof?

Operation Blue Roof is a program managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program provides assistance to storm victims in disaster areas through the installation of plastic sheeting on damaged roofs, thereby helping to protect property and allowing residents to remain in their homes.

How does Operation Blue Roof work?

The Operation Blue Roof program is very simple. The program starts when FEMA identifies counties where the Corps may begin the program.

The Corps begins work by setting up neighborhood stations where affected homeowners can sign a "Right of Entry" document. The ROE, as it is sometimes called, gives the Corps permission to access a person's property for the purpose of assessing damage and making repairs. The Army Corps of Engineers staff will help homeowners fill out the one-page Right of Entry form, and use maps and aerial photos to locate the property owner's home.

Next, Corps staff visit the property and assess the type and amount of damage to the roof. If the roof can be temporarily repaired, the staff person will write comments on the ROE and give a copy to the homeowner.

The ROE is then provided to a Corps contractor. Contractors are usually assigned to work in the most areas that have the highest concentration of severe damage. This ensures an effficent process that brings relief to the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.

Corps supervisors will then inspect contractor work to ensure roofs are correctly installed and work is completed.

Blue plastic roofs provide a temporary repair until permanent repairs can be made.

** Remember, you will not be asked for money, nor will you receive a bill for your blue roof.

Downloadable Right-of-Entry (ROE) forms can be found here (1.38 MB)

Please call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) for a description of Operation Blue Roof and instructions to complete the official ROE form. Please read over the entire form and determine if you meet the service requirements and will assist your recovery effort before going to a Right-of-Entry Collection Center.

Operation Blue Roof FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need a Right-of-Entry?
A: A Right-of-Entry (ROE) is a legal requirement that allows Corps staff and contractors to access your property and assess your roof damage. The ROE allows contract crews to work on your roof. The ROE will also be used by the Corps to make sure the work has been completed properly. You will receive a copy of the ROE when the job is finished. If temporary roof covering is not appropriate for your home, you will receive a copy of the ROE with an explanation as to why the work was not done.

Q: Do I have to sign an ROE?
A: No, but we can't get on your property without a signed ROE. So if you want your roof covered, we must have a signed ROE.

Q: Where do I go to sign a Right-of-Entry?
A: There are many Blue Roof Sign-Up Centers in many Parishes. To find your nearest center, monitor the media or contact your local government. They are aware of the locations of the centers.

Q: Once I've signed an ROE, when will my roof be repaired?
A: We are working as fast as possible to fix roofs. We know that with every rainstorm, your home and belongings are exposed to more damage. We can not give you a specific day or time when a crew will come to work on your home. We have thousands of roofs to repair and they are located across a very large area. We will work to our maximum ability, but we must also recognize worker safety standards (i.e.; rain, wind, severe weather, etc.).

Q: Do I have to be home when you cover my roof?
A: No, but we MUST have a signed ROE in hand in order to access your property.

Q: Will the Corps cover every roof?
A: No, only those roofs with small enough damage that the home is still livable, but needs cover until permanent repairs can be made. As a general rule, we won't do temporary roof covering if the home is not livable.

Q: How does the Corps decide which roofs get repaired first?
A: The Corps is contracting with roofing companies in order to get the greatest number of roofs repaired at the fastest possible pace. Areas with the highest concentration of damage will likely be attended to the most quickly. We are not working on a ‘first-come, first-served' basis. We will reach every person who has signed a ROE form.

Q: I have a medical emergency. Can you prioritize my repair?
A: We will make your home a priority within a particular work zone. That means that when our crews come to your neighborhood, your home will be one of the first to be worked on.

Q: You fixed my neighbor's home but not mine. Why has this happened?
A: Crews are given a bundle of ROEs and sent to fulfill those jobs. If your ROE was not in that bundle, for whatever reason, the crew could not have fixed your home. While we are not working on a first-come, first-serve basis, it may be that your ROE was not yet in the package that was given to the contractor on that occasion.

Q: Where can I get a free tarp for self-help roof repairs?
A: The self-help tarps are being issued through your local government. You will need to monitor the media for information on where to pick up the self-help tarps.

Q: If I get a self-help tarp, can I still get a contractor repair through Operation Blue Roof?
A: Yes, if you are in a county where the Corps has been given the Temporary Roof Covering mission. When you sign up for the ROE, let us know that the tarps on the roof are self-help and you would like them to be replaced with the contractor-installed plastic sheeting.

Q: The Corps sent a crew to put a temporary roof cover on my home after hurricane damage and then it was damaged again by another hurricane. Will the Corps cover my roof again?
A: Yes, the Corps will cover your roof again, but you must sign a new ROE form.

Q: I am renting a house that was damaged during a hurricane. Can I sign the Right-of-Entry form?
A: No, the owner of the property must sign the Right-of-Entry form.

Q: Will the work be charged to my insurance?
A. The work is free, so insurance does not enter into the equation.

For further information on Operation Blue Roof and other sign-up centers outside Lafourche Parish, you can access the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Hurricane Katrina Response Website here.