DVIDS – News – Omaha County Supports Hurricane Milton Response Efforts

OMAHA, Neb. – In the wake of Hurricane Milton, more than 50 members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District responded to the call to provide critical support to impacted communities.

The Category 3 storm produced damaging winds, significant storm surge and spawned dozens of tornadoes, damaging thousands of homes along Florida’s west coast.

In support of the USACE Jacksonville District, Omaha District personnel, most of whom deployed on October 8, 2024, are forming a temporary roofing planning and response team in support of Operation Blue Roof, a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps. Federal Emergency Management Agency engineers.

Operation Blue Roof aims to assist in disaster relief by providing temporary roofing solutions to homeowners whose property has been damaged. This initiative is being implemented in close collaboration with FEMA and local governments, ensuring that those in the most vulnerable areas receive rapid assistance.

“After a storm such as a hurricane, many people are forced to seek shelter outside their homes due to roof damage,” said Nicole Cominoli of Omaha County, Temporary Roofing Mission Manager for Hurricane Milton. Operation Blue Roof provides eligible homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting to cover damaged roofs until permanent repairs can be made.

“By installing temporary roofs, we are restoring a sense of normalcy to people during a chaotic and stressful time,” Cominoli said. “Really our main goal is to get people back into their homes as quickly as possible while providing a quality product. It has been a great honor and rewarding to be a part of the Blue Roof team and the mission we carry out.”

This free program protects property, reduces the cost of temporary housing, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.

The Omaha County team’s mission includes:

Damage Assessment – ​​Quality Assurance inspectors assess the condition of homes and prepare work orders for contractors.

On-the-job training. Local governments, volunteer groups and the National Guard are being trained to assist with the installation process.

Contract logistics. Using the Advanced Contracting Initiative, USACE manages the procurement and installation of temporary roofs, ensuring rapid response to urgent needs.

The official Omaha County mission took place on the evening of October 14, and by October 16 the first temporary roofs were installed.
The Operation Blue Roof program is not just about roofing; it embodies the community’s spirit of resilience. As the local community begins to recover from the effects of the hurricane, the USACE team is ready to provide its expertise and support.

“Omaha County is proud to support those in need during the response to Hurricane Milton,” Newbauer said. “Our team is well equipped and trained for situations like this. With pre-training when needed, we have the ability to provide assistance to areas most in need.”

Nicky Begeman, a management analyst for Omaha County who works as a data technician for the response, said it was rewarding to be able to help those affected.

“I feel like our efforts make a huge difference in people’s lives,” she said. “Helping others is the best mission we can accomplish.”

Jennifer Jensen, who works as a materials control technician, said she is also glad to be part of a team helping people through the most difficult times of their lives, reassuring them that everything will be okay.

“These missions are very rewarding,” Jensen said. “This team truly brings together the best of USACE from different districts. So if you are thinking about volunteering, you won’t regret it.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is prepared and ready to respond to natural and man-made disasters, as well as overseas contingencies. When natural disasters occur, USACE teams and other resources mobilize from across the country to help our local counties and offices carry out our response missions.

For information on the Blue Roof, visit the Jacksonville area Hurricane Milton website at: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Hurricane-Milton/