The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is accepting applications for the Michigan Safe Room Rebate Program.

The program helps eligible homeowners offset the cost of installing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) compliant tornado safe room on their property.

Selected applicants may receive a rebate covering up to 75% of eligible costs of installation and construction of a tornado safe room.

There is a maximum reimbursement of $7,131.75.

The proposed rebate program would be funded through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program.

At this time, no funding has been awarded.

The application process is being used to support Michigan’s application for the program.

Interested homeowners should complete an online application here.

50 applicants will be chosen through a random selection process.

An additional 100 applicants to be alternates for pending available funding will also be chosen.

Applicants must be residents of Michigan and own a permanent residence located in the state.

Those chosen will be grouped by FEMA risk categories to ensure geographic distribution across the state.

The rebate program is reimbursement-based, meaning homeowners must complete the installation and submit required documentation before receiving payment.

Safe rooms installed prior to approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

“We’ve already faced the threat and destruction of tornadoes multiple times this year. In a single night, nine tornadoes touched down across Michigan, just weeks after three others tore through southwest Michigan, causing widespread damage and claiming four lives,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “A properly constructed tornado safe room can provide critical life-saving protection during severe weather events.”

Visit the Michigan Safe Room Rebate Program resource website to apply or learn more about program eligibility, requirements and rules.

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit  MIREADY and follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook.