SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) installed the first temporary roof to protect a damaged structure, today.
The first blue roof was installed on the Multy Medical Facilities in San Juan. Having the roof protected will allow the hospital to open up additional patient beds/rooms that were previously unavailable because of the damaged roof.
The temporary roof, known as a "blue roof: because of the blue plastic material used, is designed to provide temporary protection from the elements so that the residents may safely inhabit their homes and reduce the chance of further damage from the elements. Hurricane Maria damaged the roofs of thousands of homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure across Puerto Rico.
Operation Blue Roof is a program offered by FEMA through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to eligible homeowners and landlords. It provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. The blue plastic sheeting is installed using strips of wood that are secured to the roof with nails or screws. The homeowner/landlord must legally agree to allow the Corps contractors access to the property by signing a Right of Entry (ROE) form.
The ROE is a legal requirement that allows Corps employees to access the property and assess damage to the home. The ROE also allows contracted crews to work on the roof. Only applicants in primary residences are eligible to receive a temporary blue roof. The plastic is a reinforced, water-proof material that is designed to protect the structure temporarily until permanent repairs can be made.
For more information on the Blue Roof Program, call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258) to get information. Online information is available in English at http://www.sad.usace.army.mil/blueroof/ and Spanish at http://www.sad.usace.army.mil/blueroof_espanol/. The Corps is setting up temporary Right of Entry Offices across Puerto Rico where property owners may complete and drop off the ROE form. The locations will be publicized through local media channels.
BUILDING STRONG®
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Release no. 17-051