The SoonerSafe Safe Room Rebate Program helps eligible Oklahoma homeowners install a residential safe room or storm shelter, either above or below ground, that meets standards set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The state-administered program is funded through FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program dollars, which the state receives periodically.
How does the SoonerSafe program work?
Established in 2011 by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the SoonerSafe Safe Room Rebate Program provides a partial rebate to eligible Oklahoma homeowners who install a safe room. The program relies on funding from FEMA Hazard Mitigation grants and operates intermittently as funds become available.
If you apply and are selected, you hire a contractor and cover installation costs out of pocket. Once completed, you can submit the paid invoice, along with any other required documentation, to receive your reimbursement.
The program uses a random selection process and awards grants for up to 75% of safe room purchase and installation costs. As of 2024, rebates were capped at $3,000 per household.
The Oklahoma Constitution also exempts up to 100 square feet of an installed safe room from property taxes, which can save you money each year on your tax bill. And if you do receive a SoonerSafe rebate, that money doesn't count as taxable income, so you won't need to report it on your taxes. While it's not guaranteed, some Oklahoma home insurance companies may also offer a discount on your policy cost if you install a safe room.
Is SoonerSafe currently funded?
The SoonerSafe program is not currently funded, but it has historically paused and reopened multiple times as FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funds became available to the state. This funding pattern isn't fixed — it depends on when and how much federal disaster mitigation funding Oklahoma receives.
Check the SoonerSafe website regularly to see whether applications have reopened and to find the current rebate amount, since both can change from cycle to cycle.
Who qualifies for the rebate?
You are only eligible for a SoonerSafe rebate if you meet the following criteria:
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The safe room will be installed in your primary residence, and you’re the property owner.
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The property is a single-family home.
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The safe room was not previously installed, and no work was completed before program acceptance.
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The safe room must be in an interior room on the first floor, underground on the first floor, or installed as a detached above-ground or underground safe room within 100 feet of your home.
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You must hire a professional installer.
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The safe room must meet or exceed the specifications outlined in FEMA Publication 320 (Taking Shelter from the Storm), FEMA 361 (Design and Construction Criteria for Community Safe Rooms), and ICC 500 (Standards for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters).
Additional eligibility requirements apply in certain circumstances.
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For mobile homes: You must own the mobile home and the land that it’s on.
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For historic houses: You may need approval from other agencies.
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For homes in floodplains: You must install an above-ground safe room.
If your home meets these eligibility requirements, you can apply when funding is available. However, applying doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be selected.
Note: In the wake of certain disaster declarations, SoonerSafe may prioritize homeowners in specific affected counties.
How to apply for the SoonerSafe rebate
To apply for the chance to receive a SoonerSafe rebate:
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Determine if SoonerSafe is currently accepting applications. The program isn’t available on an ongoing basis. Application timelines are based on available funding.
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Make sure you qualify. Review the guidelines for the Oklahoma storm shelter rebate program to ensure you meet the requirements. Because these guidelines can change, always reference the official SoonerSafe website.
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Register online. Visit the SoonerSafe website and fill out an application for consideration in the next available lottery.
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Receive an official award notification. If your application was randomly selected, you’ll receive an email from SoonerSafe. Staff may follow up via phone. Upon receipt, you’ll have 30 days to confirm you wish to participate in the rebate program.
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Take note of deadlines. Once you’ve indicated you want to participate in the program, SoonerSafe will give you a deadline to install the safe room.
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Hire a contractor to install the safe room. You must hire a professional installer to complete the work to be eligible for the rebate. The work must comply with the latest FEMA guidelines.
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Submit documentation. Upon completion of the work, you’ll need to submit multiple documents to initiate the rebate process. This includes a paid invoice showing the total cost of the purchase and installation; a copy of the cleared check, money order, or credit card receipt; and a completed SoonerSafe Certificate of Installation, signed by the contractor.
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Wait for your check. Your rebate typically arrives by mail within six to eight weeks of submitting complete documentation, though it can take up to 12 weeks. Watch your email closely in the meantime, as SoonerSafe may reach out for more information before issuing the rebate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a safe room?
The average cost of a safe room ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, according to construction industry estimates cited by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. This can vary depending on the size and type of safe room you choose and the installation location. In Oklahoma, you may be able to offset part of this cost with the SoonerSafe Safe Room Rebate Program, but the safe room must meet FEMA guidelines to qualify, not every applicant will be selected, and rebates are only available on an intermittent basis when the program is funded.
How do you get a storm shelter for free?
No program in Oklahoma provides a storm shelter or safe room for free. However, you can apply for a SoonerSafe Safe Room Rebate, which may cover some of the costs of installing a safe room. If the SoonerSafe Safe Room Rebate Program is not currently funded or you aren't selected for the rebate, contact your local emergency management office for suggestions about where else to get assistance.
Will FEMA pay for a storm shelter?
FEMA doesn't pay for storm shelters directly, but it does operate the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funding to states (and, in some cases, territories and tribal governments) rather than to individual homeowners. States then decide how to use this funding. For instance, Oklahoma uses these grants to fund the SoonerSafe Safe Room Rebate Program, which provides rebates to some Oklahomans for newly installed safe rooms.
