Operation Blue Roof Application Deadline Approaches In U.S. Virgin Islands

ST. THOMAS — Time is running out for Virgin Island hurricane survivors to sign up with Operation Blue Roof for free temporary roofing repairs to their homes. Friday, November 3, is the final day for residents on all U.S. Virgin Islands to apply, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced late Tuesday.

Operation Blue Roof is carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with FEMA and the U.S. Virgin Islands government to provide homeowners affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria with fiber-reinforced blue plastic sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until permanent repairs can be made.

Survivors are warned to be aware of scams. Operation Blue Roof is a free service. If survivors are asked to pay, they are not dealing with USACE’s Operation Blue Roof.

Homeowners must sign a Right of Entry (ROE) form that allows USACE staff on the property to assess roof damage and install the plastic sheeting. It generally takes about eight days for a USACE representative to visit the home once the ROE is signed, and the installation will be done about two weeks later. Survivors can help USACE locate their residence by placing visible addresses or plot numbers on their property.

To apply for Operation Blue Roof survivors should visit an ROE Center to sign the form and verify eligibility.

In St. Croix survivors may visit with a USACE representative at:

1. The Disaster Recovery Center in the Old Post Office Building at Church and Company Streets, Christiansted, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
2. The Department of Public Works, 6500 Estate Anna’s Hope, Christiansted, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
3. The Disaster Recovery Center at the Rotary Club West, 40 KA-KD Estate LaGrange, Frederiksted, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.
4. The Mobile Command Vehicle at the Sunshine Mall Kmart West, Remainder Matriculate, Frederiksted, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.

In St. Thomas survivors may visit:

1. The Department of Public Works, 103 Subbase Road, Charlotte Amalie West, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2. The Department of Health, 1303 Hospital Grounds Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
3. The Tutu Fire Station, Route 38, Anna’s Retreat, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
4. The Government Employee Retirement System Building, USACE Roofing Resident Office, 1st Floor, 3438 Kronprindsens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In St. John survivors may visit:

1. The Legislature Annex, 1D Cruz Bay, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Survivors are asked to bring a photo identification, a property tax bill and, if possible, a photograph of the damaged roof for property identification.

Operation Blue Roof should protect property for a minimum of 30 days and allow residents to remain in or return to their homes while recovering from the storms. The program is for primary residences, or occupied rental properties that can be repaired with plywood, plastic sheeting, and in some cases a minor amount of rafter replacement or repair. Not all roof types qualify for the program.

If you know of a survivor who needs a temporary roof but is unable to visit a ROE Center, let center officials know the location so they can reach out. To find a location in your area, call 888-ROOF-BLU (766-3258).