Update June 5: Due to the high volume of accepted applications, the Metro Safe Room Rebate Program application process is now closed. Please continue to check nctcogplus.com for the opening of a waitlist for this program in approximately two weeks. Read more here.
Starting June 5, some residents of Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant counties will be eligible for federal funds to help install tornado shelters in their homes through the Metro Safe Room Rebate Program (MSRRP).
The safe room rebates are funded with a $1.395 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.
NBC 5 Investigates first told you about the federal funding May 23.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments will begin accepting applications online at www.nctsaferoom.com.
The Metro Safe Room Rebate Program offers residents living in or developing Collin, Dallas, Denton or Tarrant counties a chance to qualify for half the cost of construction for an individual safe room, up to $3,000. But the rooms must be from a vendor approved by the National Storm Shelter Association or the American Tornado Shelter Association to qualify for reimbursement.
Properties in floodplains do not qualify. Homes more than 45-years-old need special review to determine eligibility. And pre-existing shelters do not qualify for the program.
Weather Connection
Connecting you with your forecast and all the things that make North Texas weather unique.
Who Can Apply
Homeowners, developers or installers living in or developing in Collin, Dallas, Denton or Tarrant counties. Developers and installers may apply directly, but are capped at three safe rooms.
Eligible structures:
- Manufactured homes (must own structure and land)
- Single-family homes
- New construction of single-family homes
Eligible Safe Rooms:
- In-ground/above ground
- Indoors/outdoors
How to Apply
Visit www.nctsaferoom.com to apply. The program application process will take place online. Residents without access to a computer can request a paper copy through their local Emergency Management Office, but submitting a paper application may cause a delay in the review/approval process.
Once approved, the applicant:
- Is required to obtain a building permit (if applicable)
- Is required to contract with a National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) or American Tornado Shelter Association (ATSA) approved member
- Must submit all required documentation
- Must agree to allow final inspection of the installed safe room
- Must allow NCTCOG to share the GPS coordinates with only first responders in your jurisdiction
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the reimbursement process may take two months.
As North Texans apply for the rebates, NCTCOG will continue to apply for federal dollars for shelters, she said.
More information can be found at http://nctsaferoom.com/.
