North Little Rock, AR – The Arkansas Legislature has approved the Shelter Rebate Program to receive $1,250,000 for the 2015 fiscal year. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) will accept applications on Monday, July 14, 2014 and Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Completed and approved applications will be funded based on date of shelter installation. Applications must include invoices, proof of payment, pictures of the inside connections on the door and hinges, and pictures of the ventilation. Applications must be signed by the homeowner, and the Local Emergency Management Coordinator (LEMC). For above ground safe rooms or shelters, the builder must complete a certification form ensuring that the safe room/shelter meets FEMA publication 320 specifications. Applicants should contact the LEMC to schedule an appointment for verification of their safe room/shelter. Applications and contact information for LEMC’s can be found at www.adem.arkansas.gov
The application period for the program will open on Monday, July 14, 2014 and will close July 15, 2014. Only applications postmarked or received at ADEM during that time period will be accepted and processed. Applications that are completed, received and approved will be funded according to date of installation, with oldest installation taking precedence. Approved applications received during the open period that are not funded will be retained by ADEM. Retained applications could qualify for funding if the program is funded in the future. Applicants should contact their LEMC office to schedule an appointment for verification of their safe room/shelter. Application submission to ADEM should be coordinated with the LEMC. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. Program information and documents can be found at www.adem.arkansas.gov
The Arkansas Safe Room/In-Ground shelter program has been in place since 1999. The program’s goal is to save lives by providing incentives to individual homeowners to build safe rooms in their homes, or install in-ground storm shelters on their property. The program is open to all who own their home at the time of application and who installed an above-ground safe room or in-ground shelter after January 21, 1999. The property must be the primary residence at the time of application. Completed and approved applications will be funded at 50% of the associated costs or $1,000, whichever is less.
In order to qualify for funds, shelters and safe rooms must meet the requirements in FEMA Publication 320 and/or meet the National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters dated May 28, 1999. The program requires that the shelter be constructed of a waterproof material and be properly ventilated. The door must meet the National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters. In addition, the shelter must meet city and/or county codes if applicable. Only shelters that are purchased from the manufacturer or new construction by a contractor are eligible. Previously owned or used shelters are not eligible.
Disclaimer: Neither ADEM nor the verification official (LEMC/representative) guarantees the safety of the shelter, material or installation quality, only that installation has been completed and meets the requirements for reimbursement through the ADEM Safe Room/Shelter Program.
The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.