Breaking down the SoonerSafe Rebate Program: Do I qualify for a storm shelter?

Oklahomans can now apply for a chance to receive up to $3,000 toward the installation of a safe room through the state’s SoonerSafe Safe Room Rebate Program.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS) announced that the application period opened Monday, April 15.

Below is a breakdown of everything Oklahomans need to know about the program.

Program Overview

What is SoonerSafe?

SoonerSafe provides rebates to Oklahoma homeowners for installing safe rooms that comply with the latest FEMA and ICC standards. The program is funded through FEMA Hazard Mitigation grants, requiring the department of emergency management to adhere to federal regulations concerning property eligibility and documentation.​

Related Story: 5 things to know: How Oklahomans can get federal money to install storm shelters

What is a Safe Room?

A safe room refers to any above or below ground shelter designed, constructed, and installed in accordance with the most recent versions of FEMA Publications 320 and 361, as well as ICC 500 standards.​

Registration and Selection

The registration deadline for the 2024 program was October 31, 2024. A new registration form has opened for the 2025 program. Visit soonersafe.ok.gov for updates.​

Applicants are selected through a random process, with potential prioritization for residents in disaster-impacted counties. Selected individuals will be notified via the email provided during registration.​

Participation Requirements

Steps After Selection

If selected, participants must:

1. Confirm participation within 30 days of notification.
2. Install a compliant safe room on their property following SoonerSafe guidelines.
3. Submit required documentation to Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management by the specified deadline.​

Required Documentation

Participants must provide:

1. Paid invoice(s) showing the total cost of the safe room purchase and installation.
2. Proof of payment (cleared check, money order, or credit card receipt).
3. Completed SoonerSafe Certificate of Installation, signed by the installer, attesting compliance with FEMA and ICC standards.​

Rebate Details

The maximum rebate is $3,000 per home, not exceeding 75% of the actual cost. This amount increased from $2,000 in 2023. Rebates are issued after installation and submission of all required documents, typically within 12 weeks.​

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include individual homeowners of single-family primary residences in Oklahoma. Mobile home residents must own both the home and the land. Renters, owners of multiple homes, and those seeking to install community or neighborhood shelters are not eligible.​

Additionally, homeowners who previously received a safe room rebate from any government source are not eligible.

Eligible Shelter Types

New safe rooms that meet or exceed FEMA and ICC standards are eligible. Retrofitting existing shelters does not qualify. Shelters must be installed on the applicant's property and be readily accessible to all occupants.​

How winners are chosen

Winners are selected at random by a computer, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must own a home and it must be in Oklahoma. The safe room must be installed at that address to qualify.

Additional Information

Types of safe rooms that qualify

Several types of safe rooms are eligible for the rebate, including:

1. Above-ground safe rooms
2. Underground garage safe rooms
3. Outdoor in-ground safe rooms
4. In-ground garage safe rooms
5. Pre-cast concrete safe rooms

All safe rooms must meet or exceed FEMA standards, including FEMA Publication 320 or 361 guidelines.

Tax Implications

Rebates received through SoonerSafe are exempt from federal income tax. Additionally, the Oklahoma Constitution provides for up to 100 square feet of a safe room installed after January 1, 2002, to be exempt from property taxation.​

Registration Process

Registration is only available online at www.soonersafe.ok.gov. Only one registration per physical home address is allowed. Changes to application information require a new registration.​

Special Considerations

Homeowners in floodplains may be eligible for above-ground safe rooms, subject to additional approvals. Those in historic properties or districts may also require further documentation and review before installation.​

Installation timing and funding requirements

Homeowners must not begin construction or make any payment to a contractor before receiving an official notification of award from ODEMHS. Any safe room work done before the official notification is not eligible for reimbursement.

Importance of Storm Shelter Registration

Registering your storm shelter with local authorities can be lifesaving. In the aftermath of a tornado, registered shelters enable first responders to locate and assist individuals who may be trapped. Registration information is used to create maps that guide emergency services during search and rescue operations.​

For more information on registering your storm shelter, contact your county assessor's office or local emergency management agency.​

Important deadlines

Winners will be notified after the application period ends. A deadline has not been set at this time.

To apply, visit www.soonersafe.ok.gov.

For questions, applicants can email soonersafe@oem.ok.gov or call 405-521-2481.