Hurricane Protection Grants

A hurricane protection grant is a predetermined or limited amount of money provided through a state government-funded program to help U.S. homeowners prepare and protect their homes against hurricanes.

Hurricane Protection Programs

• Hurricane protection programs are usually found in the more hurricane-prone states, such as those bordering the Gulf of Mexico--Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas--as well as states along the south Atlantic, such as North and South Carolina. Other coastal states have also implemented programs to provide financial assistance for homeowners. Each state’s eligibility requirements and application procedures for hurricane protection grants differ greatly.

Programs Vary by State

• The process often begins with an inspection of your home by a certified wind inspector to assess your property. His report will document the improvements necessary to strengthen your home against the wind associated with hurricanes. Your state may require you to choose from a list of certified inspectors.

  You may have to choose a state approved and certified contractor. Even if your state provides a list of approved contractors, you may wish to get several estimates. Sometimes the grant money is paid directly to the contractor. Some states allow you to do the work yourself but will require you to have it inspected by a certified hurricane protection professional.

Grants for Eligible Homeowners

• Hurricane protection grants are usually in the range of $1,000 to $5,000, and in some instances, states will require homeowners to match the grant, dollar for dollar. Areas of a home that frequently require reinforcement or retrofitting are the roof, doors, windows and foundation.