How to Place FEMA Blue Tarps

Let FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers Place the Tarp

• 1

  Determine whether you qualify for a FEMA blue tarp. To qualify, your roof must be less than 50 percent damaged from a hurricane, and the area that needs to be covered must be structurally sound so contractors will not be harmed placing the tarps.

• 2

  File a right of entry form to give permission to allow Army Corps of Engineers and its contractors to enter your property for the purpose of placing the tarp. These forms are available at Right of Entry centers set up specifically for this purpose after a hurricane. Locate the nearest Right of Entry center by calling the Blue Roof hotline at 1-888-ROOF-BLU.

• 3

  Wait until the Army Corps of Engineers contractors can reach your property. Tarps are placed in the hardest hit areas first.

Do It Yourself

• 4

  Obtain free FEMA blue tarps from local government agencies. Your local media will have details about where and when the tarps will be available.

• 5

  Have the roof inspected to determine if it is structurally sound before you attempt to work on it.

• 6

  Put on heavy-duty work gloves and eye protection. Set up your ladder on level ground and have someone hold the bottom.

• 7

  Cover any large holes with sheets of plywood. Secure the edges with 3 1/4-inch screws or framing nails.

• 8

  Place as many tarps as necessary to cover the damaged area. Overlap the tarps at the edges if you need more than one. Smooth the tarps out and tack them in place with framing nails as needed to keep them from blowing away before you are finished.

• 9

  Lay a 2-by-4 stud at the edge of one of the tarps. Roll the edge over with the tarp so the stud is wrapped in the tarp, which will protect it from water damage. Secure 3 1/4-inch screws or framing nails in the stud, through the tarp, every 4 inches.

• 10

  Repeat Step 6 at all the edges of the tarp and anywhere else you think is necessary to keep the tarp secure.