Grants for storm shelters

By Laura Girty

With all of the storms and tornados in Oklahoma and surrounding states this year – I have had MANY people asking me about grant money for storm shelters – both for individuals and communities shelters….

I have been familiar with some in the past so I did a little search and here is what I have found:

Currently there does not seem to be all inclusive individual grants available – BUT

Check this link out to see if your community is on the list because FEMA did have a program that the communities could apply for and then individuals in that community apply within it!

http://www.news9.com/story/14871663/fema-grant-program-to-help-some-oklahomans

To just know how to be safe – how to build a safe room:

http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1536

and always check back frequently at

www.fema.gov

because through the years I have seen numerous programs roll down – from build your own safe room and get a tax break for most of the cost – to some excellent community programs that I have seen used to build nice city halls, community meeting rooms, etc – that of course also ‘double’ as community storm shelters! The programs simply change with different funding cycles and administrations.

I have even found a QUALITY storm cellar installer often knows the programs currently available – and can be very helpful!

Everyone be safe! Oklahoma storm season is NOT over!

Laura Girty
REI Field Representative