Homeowners throughout Ohio now have the opportunity to receive reimbursement for the purchase and installation of a tornado safety room inside or outside of their homes.

Ohio’s Emergency Management Agency’s (EMA) rebate program provides a rebate of up to 75% to homeowners selected for the program.

Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine says that Ohio’s neighboring state, Kentucky a catastrophic tornado killed nearly 100 people and Ohio has had its fair share of deadly tornadoes as well. 

“Because our entire state is vulnerable to tornadoes, we’re offering these rebates to help cover some of the costs associated with the added protection of a safe room,” Governor DeWine said.

In 2021, the National Weather Service confirmed that 28 tornadoes touched down in Ohio including the December 11 EF-1 tornado in Hardin County and two separate “tornado outbreaks” in October totaling 14 different tornadoes.

Ohio EMA’s Executive Director, Sima Merick urges all Ohioans to apply for these grants due to the protection that a safe room would offer in the event of a severe storm.

“Safe rooms offer protection to a tornado’s strong winds and resulting from airborne debris and provides near-absolute protection for occupants,” Merick said.

The program is currently in its ninth year. To date, more than $1.9 million in rebates have been awarded to homeowners for the construction of over 250 safe rooms across Ohio.

Ohio EMA is accepting applications for the program from Tuesday, Jan. 4 to Friday, Feb. 4. The deadline to apply is February 4 at 5:00 p.m.