HOUSTON — In the aftermath of a natural disaster, online rumors can go viral across social media leading to misinformation. The KHOU 11 Verify Team tracked down answers to a viewer's question about a social media post urging people who needed their roofs tarped to contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for assistance. FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responded to our questions about "Operation Blue Roof."
THE QUESTION
Are blue tarps being provided for free by the federal government?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
No, blue tarps are not being provided for free by the federal government.
WHAT WE FOUND
Operation Blue Roof assists those affected by a natural disaster by installing temporary blue fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting over damaged areas of the roof until permanent repairs can be made. FEMA authorizes the program, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages it. According to FEMA, the state must request assistance for this program to be approved.
The plastic blue tarps are designed to be a 30-day fix for primary residences until permanent roof repairs can be made.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there are no active blue roof missions in the Houston area or elsewhere at this time. FEMA also echoes that Operation Blue Roof is not in operation right now, and said in a statement to the KHOU 11 Verify Team that it has not been requested for this disaster that started in April 2024.
In a statement from FEMA to the KHOU 11 Verify Team FEMA says:
"Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. This is a free service to homeowners; however, there may be a cost to local and state governments."