Whether you call it a storm cellar, safe room, storm shelter or any other name, a reinforced room capable of withstanding a tornado or straight-line winds can save lives. Building one costs an average of $4,000 to $5,000 though, a prohibitive amount to some homeowners. To help households and communities to build these life-saving structures, the federal government provides grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Eligibilty and Application
The federal government provides grant programs for individuals, households, communities, tribal and state governments to build safe rooms meeting federal building codes. Each program has its individual application and instructions, available for download as a .pdf or as web pages. Deadlines vary by program. Generally, each agency updates the application information on its website at least annually. Some funding may not be available every year, depending on congressional appropriations.
Hazard Mitigation Grants
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program offers local, tribal and state government grants to fund up to 75 percent of a long-term hazard mitigation project, such as building a community shelter. The remaining 25 percent of funding must come from non-federal funding sources with one exception. A grantee may use Community Development Block Grant funds for the match. The funds request must follow a Presidential disaster declaration within the applicant's state of residence. The state will set the application deadline.
Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grants
Older citizens in rural areas can apply for funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to construct a safe room. The USDA's Very Low-Income Housing Repair program provides grants of up to $7,500 to homeowners 62 years old or older with very low incomes. The homeowner must reside in a rural town of 20,000 or fewer residents.
Community Development Block Grants
The Community Development Block Grant program provides communities with funds to construct community storm shelters in mobile home parks. Administered by the U.S, Department of Housing and Urban Development, municipalities and councils of government can apply for the grant to erect a safe room in manufactured home parks with 20 or more units. The park must have a warning siren and reside in a state hit by a tornado within the past three years. The park's residents must be low- and moderate-income.
Tags: Community Development, Community Development Block, Development Block, safe room, Block Grant, Department Agriculture