To apply for the Ohio Safe Room Rebate Program, homeowners have until 5 p.m. Feb. 4, to register on the Ohio EMA website: https://ema.ohio.gov/ema_saferoom/saferoom-concept.aspx. We cannot file on your behalf. Funds are limited.
Storm weary Ohioans might soon catch a break thanks to a statewide rebate program. The state’s Emergency Management Agency is currently accepting applications for the state’s rebate program, which is a recurring financial incentive to help families with the construction of safe room. The Ohio safe room rebate program uses a random digital selection profess to choose potential applicants. After narrowing down the list of potential recipients, officials then begin the process of creating a priority list. Chosen residents are eligible for a rebate of up to 75 percent of the cost to install or construct the shelter.
Safe rooms constructed and/or installed must meet FEMA requirements in accordance with FEMA publications 320 and/or 361.
Ohio has become one of the nation’s hot spots for tornadic activity, which led to the creation of the rebate program. During a somber Memorial Day in 2019, a total of 21 tornadoes touched down in the Dayton community. One of those storms registered as a EF-4, which is just one rung below the highest category of storms.
Federal Assistance Could Offset Installation Costs
The Ohio safe room rebate program is not the only avenue for government assistance. Although you can’t put a price on safety, we realize that your bank account might not recognize this adage. But did you know that you can receive partial or full funding from the federal government to foot the expense for a brand-new safe room? That’s right. For those who qualify, FEMA will reimburse the costs of a safe room or bunker for residents who live in storm prone areas. Through a federal Hazard Mitigation grant, residents can apply for shelter funding that will cover up to 75 percent of the shelter or up to $4,000.
FEMA could pay for panelized safe room
If you are browsing our product line, you may be comforted by knowing that a qualifying grant can pay for a nice chunk of the overall costs associated with the purchase and installation. Despite the federal government’s generosity, there are a few catches. For one, you will still have to pay the overall costs of the unit up front. Also, the application process is not as streamlined as going to down to the local bank and taking out a loan. Individual homeowners cannot apply directly to FEMA for safe room funding. Instead, FEMA provides these funds states who then distribute the grants to local governments.
How are the funds used?
Local governments, tribes and emergency management entities are the recipients of the grants and distribute it as they see fit. In addition to the Hazard Mitigation grant, FEMA also distributes money through Community Block grants to construct tornado-safe shelters in manufactured home parks. To be eligible, the proposed shelter must be in a state where a tornado has occurred in the last three years. An above ground U.S. Safe Room measuring 20’ x 10’ could easily accommodate these specifications and requirements. FEMA provides funding that meet wind resistance ratings, which all of our units do.
Steel Community Safe Room Tornado Shelters
Our community safe room and tornado shelter would be an ideal fit for FEMA funding, as it is an easily accessible above ground structure. These units would be a great safety addition and amenity for mobile home parks, businesses and construction sites. You don’t have to worry about meeting FEMA’s minimal requirements either, as this behemoth of a shelter is wind tested at 250 miles per hour! Encased in solid steel, this versatile unit can keep any manmade or natural cataclysm at bay with a nearly impenetrable steel framing. Restroom options and turn-key installation are also available. To see one of these shelters in your community, contact your county’s local emergency management office to see if your state qualifies for funding. Just remember, the Ohio safe room rebate program isn’t the only method of paying for a safe room.
