DOVER, Fla. — Operation Blue Roof has been working to help give homeowners time to get their roofs fixed following recent storms, but time is running out for them to apply to the program.

What You Need To Know

  • Operation Blue Roof, which is managed by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers for FEMA, helps homeowners get their storm-damaged roofs covered while they arrange permanent repairs
  • So far, officials say the mission has helped mroe than 5,000 homeowners
  • Homeowners in numerous Florida counties have until Nov. 14 to apply for the program

Cynthia Petitjean’s home has been covered by the program after a large tree fell into it during Hurricane Milton. The tree is now removed and in pieces, but Petitjean said she's been working for a month to get her home back to the way it was before the storm.

“After the storm, I had a crane tree crew come, and they removed the tree from the garage,” she said.

She was at home when the tree fell during Hurricane Milton, and said it was a scary experience.

She shared pictures she took the next morning before she got to work on repairs.

“It was just, like, not the best way I want to spend my money," she said of repairing the damage. "But it could have been much worse."

Petitjean said she's thankful that her animals were safe through the storm, and grateful for the temporary roof over her head that was made possible by Operation Blue Roof.

Maj. Cory Bell is the commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof emergency field operation. He said the process is simple, and it has helped a lot of people.

“We’re supporting currently 25 counties that have experienced damage," Bell said. "In South Florida specifically, but all the way out to Palm Beach County and Stewart, as well, based on the tornado events that came through with Milton."

The process of getting a tarp in place involves an evaluation and then professional installation to make sure everything is secure.

For Petitjean, having a secure roof has made things easier on her as she deals with the other damage on her property.

“The blue roof allows the more urgent projects to get done, and then I can take my time with a roofer,” she said.

Residents in certain counties with roofs damaged in Hurricanes Helene and Milton have until Nov. 14 to apply for Operation Blue Roof. Officials say it is important to remember that the blue tarps can withstand rain but not a storm. The service is free for homeowners who qualify.