Get Funded for Safe Rooms by FEMA

Contrary to common belief, individual homeowners are not eligible to directly apply to FEMA for safe room funding. The process is a bit more involved. FEMA offers a program called Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA), which provides funding to designated states, tribes, and territories that are eligible. These entities then allocate funding to their local governments. The ultimate goal of this strategy is to aid in the reduction of overall risk to both individuals and properties.

Your State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) plays a crucial role in this process. This officer can provide guidance on what specific information is required for your safe room project to be evaluated for funding. Moreover, they can educate you about the design requirements that may apply at federal, state, and local levels. For details on various funding sources, the SHMO is again the best person to approach.

There are several types of funding available:

Residential Funding For individuals who desire to construct a residential safe room, several funding opportunities are available. Contact your State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO) for any questions regarding project eligibility and financial assistance. Your SHMO can provide you with specific details regarding funding and design requirements.

Community Development Block Grant Funds The Tornado Shelters Act (Public Law 108-146), which was signed into law by the President on December 3, 2003, is an amendment to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. This Act permits communities to employ community development block grant funds to erect tornado-safe shelters in manufactured home parks.

In order to qualify, a shelter must be positioned in a neighborhood or park that comprises a minimum of 20 units, predominantly houses low- and moderate-income families, and is located in a state where a tornado has occurred within the current year or past three years. Furthermore, the shelter must adhere to safety and construction standards suitable for tornado conditions, be sizable enough to accommodate all members of the park/neighborhood, and the park/neighborhood must have a warning siren installed. The funding for community development block grant funds is provided through HUD.

Federal Housing Administration Mortgage-Insured Financing As part of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) ongoing efforts to address public safety concerns, HUD initiated a program on January 14, 2000, that allows borrowers to incorporate windstorm shelters as an eligible work item for FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loans and FHA 203(b) financed new construction. All shelters financed with FHA-insured mortgages must be built in accordance with the guidelines specified in FEMA P-320, “Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business.”

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) aids states and local communities in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following a major disaster declaration. As of November 1, 2004, it’s mandatory for all communities to have an approved hazard mitigation plan in place to remain eligible for HMGP funding. The grants from HMGP can be used to fund projects that offer protection to both public and private properties.

Eligible projects under the HMGP grant include, but are not limited to:

• Acquisition, demolition, or relocation of structures from areas prone to hazards
• Retrofitting structures to safeguard them from floods, high winds, earthquakes, or other natural hazards
• Construction of residential and community shelters in areas susceptible to tornadoes

FEMA can provide funding for up to 75% of the eligible costs of each project. The state or local match doesn’t necessarily have to be in cash; it can be met through in-kind services or materials. The federal funding under the HMGP is based on 7.5% of the federal funds allocated to the Public and Individual Assistance programs (excluding administrative expenses) for each disaster. Eligible applicants must submit their applications for the HMGP through the State Hazard Mitigation Officer.