This past Monday at the Carroll County Board of Supervisors meeting at the Vaiden courthouse I presented the information on the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) launch of the Statewide Residential Safe Room Grant Program, beginning this Friday, Oct. 31, at 8 a.m.
This program, funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, provides reimbursement grants to help Mississippi homeowners install FEMA-compliant safe rooms or storm shelters on their property. Mississippi homeowners in any of the 82 counties who own their primary residence (single-family homes). Mobile or manufactured homeowners are eligible only if they also own the land. Renters, duplexes, apartments, and community safe rooms are not eligible and the application Period: Oct. 31 through Nov. 30.
Applications will be submitted through the MEMA website at www.msema.org. After the application period closes, eligible applicants will be entered into a statewide lottery for selection. Homeowners must receive an official approval letter before installing a safe room.Through the reimbursement program homeowners must pay upfront, then receive reimbursement.
It covers 75 percent of eligible costs, up to $3,500 max. Reimbursement after installation, inspection, and required documentation submitted.
EMA Directors can now view the site, but the website will not accept registrations until October 31, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
When thinking about this preparedness with having this grant opportunity, I’m reminded of a 2008 public service announcement from Gov. Haley Barbour who had just led the efforts of recovery from Hurricane Katrina three years before and the coast was still recovering, Barbour reminded families to prepare for hurricane season.
He outlined the basic necessities, stating, "Being prepared means having a way to communicate, keeping an emergency supply kit on hand, knowing how and where to evacuate and above all pay attention to emergency announcements!"
He often reflected that even if a plan must be adjusted, it is better to have one than none. In a 2025 PBS interview, he said, "you are in a whole lot better shape if you've prepared and have to adjust than if you didn't prepare."
Very true statement from the former governor, and counties across this state having the opportunity to offer citizens safe room grants is excellent preparedness for the future. For more details and assistance call 1-833-592-6362 (MEMA)
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton, is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors, and is president of the North Central Mayors Association.
