FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is encouraging Hoosiers to take advantage of a rebate program that helps cover the cost of building safe rooms—reinforced spaces designed to protect residents from the devastating impacts of tornadoes and severe storms.
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Since 1950, Indiana has recorded more than 2,500 tornadoes, including over 270 in northeast Indiana alone, underscoring the state’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Safe rooms, which can be constructed as part of new homes or retrofitted into existing spaces like closets or bathrooms, are designed to withstand powerful winds and flying debris, providing a last line of defense during tornadoes.
“Safe rooms are designed to protect people from winds and debris during those natural disasters,” said IDHS officials.
The IDHS Residential Safe Room Program, established in 2015 under the agency’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program, provides rebates for residents who install safe rooms in their homes. The program is funded through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program, which aims to reduce disaster risks before they happen.
Because the initiative relies on federal funding, IDHS must follow strict federal grant compliance rules, ensuring that all rebates are distributed transparently and equitably.
Applications for the 2025 cycle are open through November 30, and 33 applicants will be selected at random to receive funding. Approved homeowners can receive a reimbursement of up to 75% of their safe room construction costs, capped at $5,000.
“The rooms can be a new construction or built for a room within an existing room, like a closet or bathroom,” said IDHS Executive Director Jonathan Whitham, noting that interest in the program continues to grow.
Whitham added that more than 2,000 Hoosiers applied for the rebate last year—demonstrating both demand and the growing awareness of the importance of safe room infrastructure in storm-prone regions.
The rebate program is part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience. By helping residents install safe rooms, IDHS aims to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by tornadoes while minimizing strain on first responders during weather emergencies.
Officials emphasize that safe rooms must meet FEMA design standards, including specific guidelines for reinforced walls, secure doors, and ventilation systems that ensure survivability even during direct hits from tornadoes.
“Programs like this not only save lives but also help families feel more secure in their homes,” an IDHS spokesperson said. “The rebate is an investment in public safety and long-term community resilience.”
Eligible homeowners can use the rebate to install above-ground or below-ground shelters, as long as they meet engineering and safety standards approved by FEMA. Contractors familiar with storm shelter installations are encouraged to work closely with applicants to ensure compliance with program specifications.
Residents can also retrofit existing spaces—such as closets, bathrooms, or basements—into reinforced safe rooms, a cost-effective option for families who want added protection without building an entirely new structure.
IDHS stresses that all applicants must submit necessary documentation, including proof of ownership, construction estimates, and verification of work completion, to qualify for reimbursement.
“Because of the funding source, the department must comply with all federal grant regulations for recipients,” officials added.
Applications remain open through November 30, 2025, and can be submitted via the IDHS website. The department advises residents to apply early due to high interest and limited funding availability.
Applicants will be notified if selected and guided through the next steps for inspection and reimbursement.
For full eligibility details, construction requirements, and the online application portal, residents can visit in.gov/dhs and navigate to the Residential Safe Room Program page.
“Safe rooms are designed to protect people from winds and debris during those natural disasters,” said IDHS officials.
“The rooms can be a new construction or built for a room within an existing room, like a closet or bathroom,” said Jonathan Whitham, IDHS Executive Director.
“Because of the funding source, the department must comply with all federal grant regulations for recipients,” officials added.
Originally reported by WPTA Staff in 21 Alive News.
