The Bottom Line—Safe Rooms Work 

Release Date: May 20, 2008
Release Number: 1751-080

» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- With the onslaught of severe storms and tornadoes that Arkansans have experienced, state and federal officials agree that having a safe room makes perfect sense for those without basements or storm cellars.

These fortified shelters have proven over and over again that investing in a safe room could mean the difference between life and death.

The state of Arkansas has helped more than 10,000 homeowners install shelters or safe rooms under their safe room program. The program offers a 50 percent rebate, up to a maximum of $1,000, to homeowners for the construction of safe rooms or storm shelters built on or after January 21, 1999.

“The goal of the program is to save lives by providing incentives to individual homeowners to build safe rooms in their homes or on their property, said State Coordinating Officer Richard Griffin of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. “As we have seen, no one in Arkansas is immune from tornadoes.”

To get more information on the program and how to apply, contact your local emergency management office or visit ADEM’s Web site at www.adem.arkansas.gov. Click on “mitigation” and then again on “safe room/shelter program.”

FEMA coordinates the Federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terrorism.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-May-2008 11:52:34