$1.2 Million FEMA Grant Funds Satsuma Community Safe Room 

Release Date: November 14, 2008
Release Number: R4-08-226

ATLANTA, Ga. -- A grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will fund the construction of a community safe room in the City of Satsuma designed to keep the at-risk and special needs population safe, and also allow first responders a location to quickly take action once a severe storm, tornado or hurricane has passed. Satsuma is the recipient of the grant and the safe room will be built on Juniper Avenue.  

The $1.2 million project, funded through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), will provide a safe structure for residents and first responders. When complete the 4,653-square-foot safe room will be able to withstand winds of up to 200 mph and also will be equipped with a generator to provide backup power in the event of a power loss. The $1.2 million represents 75 percent of the total project cost of $1.6 million. The remainder will come from non-federal sources.

"Safe room projects help communities ensure that their citizens will be safer and placed out of harm's way more quickly than they would otherwise be able to," said FEMA Region IV Administrator Phil May. "Instead of having to evacuate, now many citizens can take refuge in the community safe room. This outcome is truly the reason we partner with cities like Satsuma."

Safe rooms such as the one built in Satsuma serve an important role in protecting at-risk and special-needs citizens by providing a close and accessible haven when hurricanes and severe storms threaten the area. Satsuma's close proximity to the Gulf Coast and its vulnerability to severe storms and tornadoes make it a good place for the construction of a safe room. Ultimately, the goal of safe room construction is to provide a close shelter from the storm to those who need it most. 

FEMA's HMGP provides grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes for long-term hazard mitigation projects following a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the program is to reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters by funding mitigation measures during the recovery phase of a natural disaster.

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 terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 14-Nov-2008 15:05:54