FEMA Grant Program Helps Some Oklahomans With Shelter Costs

Dana Hertneky, News 9

MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma -- Storm shelters are in high demand after recent tornadoes, but if you live in some Oklahoma communities the federal government may cover 75% of the price to put one in your home.

It's part of a FEMA grant program where your community has to apply and be awarded the money.

According to state emergency management officials almost two dozen Oklahoma cities have either received or at least applied for the grant.

On Wednesday morning, Ground Zero storm shelters installed a shelter for Mary and Bob Pickett. It's an addition to their home they've been anxiously awaiting, especially after a tornado destroyed Mary's niece's home last month.

"I kept telling my husband I wish I had it in there by now," Mary Pickett said.

They live in Midwest City and because the city has been awarded the FEMA grant, the Picketts will ultimately only have to pay $700 for an eight-person shelter.  They'll first have to pay the full cost.  After an inspection, they'll receive a reimbursement check in the mail.

The city has enough money for 400 residents to do the same.

The city of Yukon is in the process of applying for the same grant.

City leaders say there has been an outcry for community shelters, but those only cause traffic, and crowding problems in times of emergency.

They say individual shelters are a better solution.

"Neighbors being good neighbors, each one will hold several people," said Grayson Bottoms the city manager of Yukon. "Several people can get in there, you can get underground quicker and safer."

So the city has sent out applications to all homeowners seeking information on how many people would be interested and to prove to FEMA there is a need.

"The response has been very strong," said Bottoms.

It could be months before the government approves the grant for the city of Yukon.

In Midwest City, the response has been so great, city leaders are requesting additional funds.

Oklahoma County says it is looking into ways to get a similar grant.

The state says it would also like to get involved in a statewide program but right now the FEMA funds are not available.

List of communities and counties which took part in the FEMA program according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management:

# Applicant Name / Project / Detail Status

1. Ardmore (City) Individual Safe Room Rebate Program In Review or Approval Process

2. Atoka (City) Individual Safe Rooms for the City of Atoka (Shell of an application received
    3/25/2011- Mainly damage history) In Review or Approval Process

3. Atoka, County of Individual Safe Room Rebate Program In Review or Approval Process

4. Hughes County Individual Safe Room Rebate Program In Review or Approval Process

5. Lone Grove (City) Individual Safe Rooms for Lone Grove In Review or Approval Process

6. Muskogee County Individual Safe Rooms for Muskogee County In Review or Approval
    Process

7. Okfuskee County Individual Saferoom Phase I Individual Safe Room Project In Review or
    Approval Process

8. Okfuskee County Individual Saferoom Phase II Individual Safe Room Project In Review or
    Approval Process

9. Osage County Individual Safe Room Rebate Program In Review or Approval Process

10. Pittsburg County Individual Safe Room Rebate Program In Review or Approval Process

11. Altus (City) Individual Safe Room Project Approved and funded – Application period has
      ended

12. Delaware County Individual Safe Room Project #2 Approved and funded – Application
      period has ended

13. Comanche County Individual Safe Room Project Approved – Application period has ended

14. Ponca City (City) Individual Safe Room Project Approved and funded – Application period
      has ended

15. Carter County Individual Safe Room Project Approved and funded – Application period has
      ended

16. Delaware County Individual Safe Room Project #1 Completed and Closed Out

17. Lawton (City) Individual Safe Room Project Completed and Closed Out

18. Logan County Individual Safe Room Project Completed and Closed Out

19. Love County Individual Safe Room Project Approved and funded – Application period has
      ended

20. Midwest City (City) Individual Safe Room Project Approved and funded – Application period
      has ended

21. OEM Individual Safe Room Project Completed and Closed Out

22. OEM Individual Safe Room Project Completed and Closed Out