Oklahomans can now apply for up to $10,000 through the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s “Strengthen Oklahoma Homes” program to help pay for storm-resistant roofs.
The program aims to prevent storm damage by funding fortified roofs that can withstand high-end F2 tornado damage. Scott McCollum, chief solution officer at McRoof.us, explained, “The fortified roof is really based on the way the roof is attached… it will stand up to high-end F2 type tornado damage without losing that roof deck or peeling that roof off the house.”
The current round of applications is limited, but the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) plans additional launches throughout the year. Ashley Scott, deputy commissioner of external affairs and director of the program, said, “We do have a second, third, and fourth launch planned throughout the year… the funding is already there… we have no concerns or issues with the funding for this year.”
To qualify, homeowners need a homestead exemption, proof of homeowners insurance, and income documentation, with lower-income families prioritized. State law allows up to $10 million a year for these grants, enough for about 1,000 homes, but each launch is first-come, first-served.
Scott emphasized, “We do have a priority for lower income… they have to have a homestead exemption… and then we also have to have proof of homeowners insurance… and then we do have some income verification.”
Applications are available online through OID’s OKReady page, with future launches planned throughout the year.
You can apply for a FORTIFIED Roof grant here.
