The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has launched its Individual Safe Room Program to help residents in disaster-prone areas build a safe room to protect themselves from severe weather.
According to Director Stephen McCraney, MEMA received 600 applications within the first week of the safe room program opening up for residents in Clay, Humphreys, Issaquena, Lowndes, Monroe, Sharkey, Warren, and Yazoo counties.
“The applications came in quick and now the process is we’re going to get those applications to FEMA, start getting those reviewed — it’s a lot of paperwork — but the individual homeowner can get up to $3,500 or 75% of putting in an individual safe room,” McCraney said on MidDays with Gerard Gibert. “It’s all about life safety.”
McCraney added that the process of getting applications submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency takes about 60 days. Once approved, a licensed contractor will be sent to install a safe room for the applicant.
The application process is open until October 31, 2022. Eligible applicants can apply here. MEMA will contact the applicant to confirm receipt of the application.
Important documentation that are required for the program include:
- Proof of Home and Land Ownership.
- Signed Certificate of Installation.
- Receipts.
- Proof of Payment.
- Coordinates for the location of the safe room.
- Local Building Permit.
- Zoning Permit (If Required).
- Before and After Photos of the Safe Room Construction Site.
- W-9.
The full interview with MEMA Director Stephen McCraney can be watched below.
