The Oklahoma Insurance Department is launching another phase of the "Strengthen Oklahoma Homes" program, aimed at assisting residents with roof upgrades to better withstand severe weather. As reported by News 9, eligible homeowners within specific ZIP codes will have the opportunity to apply for grants up to $10,000. This initiative, separate from state funds, is supported by the state's insurance industry.
Starting August 4, the application process will be accessible for those living in the Oklahoma City metro area, which includes South and North Oklahoma City, Edmond, Mustang, Moore, and Norman. As stated by a KFOR article, the program operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, therefore, timely application submission is encouraged.
The final pilot of this grant program was announced by OID and is set to conclude on December 31, an interview with Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and Director of OKReady, detailed in a FOX23 report. According to Scott, the selected ZIP codes were determined by several factors including storm history, insurance loss data, and FEMA-rated wind and hail risk.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department's OKReady initiative is set to finance home fortification projects, particularly the installation of the IBHS FORTIFIED Home – Roof™ – High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement. Scott expressed enthusiasm, "As we work toward the end of the year, our team looks forward to working with approved contractors and evaluators and helping families make their homes more resilient to future weather events in these new zip codes," as told to FOX23. Homeowners in the 63 newly announced zip codes can apply for the grant between August 4 and December 31.
