Michigan has already experienced more than a dozen tornadoes this year, and now state and federal officials are offering a small number of homeowners the chance to build a tornado “safe room” at a reduced cost.
The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is accepting applications for the Michigan Safe Room Rebate Program, which, if funded, would help eligible homeowners offset the cost of installing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) compliant tornado safe room, MSP said in a release.
“We’ve already faced the threat and destruction of tornadoes multiple times this year. In a single night, nine tornadoes touched down across Michigan, just weeks after three others tore through southwest Michigan, causing widespread damage and claiming four lives,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “A properly constructed tornado safe room can provide critical life-saving protection during severe weather events.”
The program, which has yet to receive funding through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program would offer successful applicants a rebate covering up to 75% of eligible costs associated with the installation and construction of a tornado safe room, with a maximum reimbursement of $7,131.75.
The application process is being used to support Michigan’s application for the program, the MSP said.
Interested homeowners should complete an online application. Fifty applicants will be chosen through a random selection process, with an additional 100 applicants identified as alternates pending available funding.
Applicants must be residents of Michigan and own a permanent residence in Michigan. Applicants will be grouped by FEMA risk categories to ensure geographic distribution across the state, MSP said.
If the program is funded, homeowners selected would need to complete construction of the safe room and submit documentation before receiving payment.
How can I apply for the program?
Visit the Michigan Safe Room Rebate Program resource website to apply or learn more about program eligibility, requirements and rules.
Interested homeowners should complete an online application. Fifty applicants will be chosen through a random selection process, with an additional 100 applicants identified as alternates pending available funding.
What is the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Program
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities is a hazard mitigation program that makes federal funds available to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and local governments for hazard mitigation activities, FEMA said. Activities include upgrading and modernizing infrastructure against risks to communities and natural hazard risk mitigation activities.
The program supports pre-disaster and hazard mitigation projects — such as school safe rooms, utility hardening, relocating critical facilities out of flood areas, and securing pump stations.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan homeowners could get tornado safe room funds. How to apply
Reporting by Dan Basso, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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