Indiana citizens can apply for home storm shelters funds

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has opened a program that will provide financial support to Indiana residents who wish to construct and install a severe weather safe room in their home. Funds for the program will be made available for up to 53 applicants.

Those interested must complete an online application at http://bit.ly/1TijCt4.

Applicants must provide information about their home, including the year it was built, the parcel ID number and if it’s located in a flood plain. Applications will be reviewed by IDHS Mitigation staff.

The program, which is voluntary, will reimburse homeowners for 75 percent of the eligible costs (up to $4,500) to construct and install Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) compliant safe rooms in their homes. Funding for the program is provided through FEMA.

Those who participate will be required to obtain a building permit from a certified building department and have the safe room inspected during installation and/or after installation completion. Participants will also be required to build their safe rooms to meet or exceed the standards dictated in FEMA 320 or 361 guidelines. These guidelines can be accessed at the following links:

http://www.fema.gov/fema-p-320-taking-shelter-storm-building-safe-room-your-home-or-small-business

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3140

IDHS Mitigation staff will randomly inspect some of the safe rooms following their installation. Any further maintenance or operation will be the responsibility of the owner.

Questions can be directed to the IDHS Mitigation staff at [email protected].