Temporary coverings will be provided to those with roof damage in Southwest Florida

Melissa Pérez-Carrillo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·1 min read
Workers use a blue tarp to cover the roof of a business in Punta Gorda, Florida, following Hurricane Ian on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
Workers use a blue tarp to cover the roof of a business in Punta Gorda, Florida, following Hurricane Ian on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.

Operation Blue Roof will provide free, temporary coverings for homeowners with damaged roofs in the area.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has activated the program in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier and DeSoto counties. The service is free for homeowners and is available for sign-up until Oct. 23.

Read more: Hurricane Ian victims can get help with aid, shelter and more with these resources

And: Contractors to start picking up storm debris in unincorporated Sarasota County on Thursday

Homes eligible for the program include primary residences or occupied rental property with less than 50% structural damage. This excludes vacation rental properties.

To qualify, all storm debris needs to be removed for the roof. Roofs that are flat, metal, clay, slate or asbestos tile don't qualify.

Call 1-888-766-3258 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: SW FL county residents eligible for free roof coverings