Free · State rebate programs · FEMA P-320 · ICC 500
Plan a tornado shelter that meets the standard.
Some states and regions repay part of the cost of a residential safe room. Pick your state to see current programs and rules, then size your shelter with the calculator.
Homeowners seek FEMA safe room funding through state or local channels, not by applying directly to FEMA.
FEMAFEMA-funded residential safe rooms use a 250 mph design wind speed everywhere in the country.
FEMAA contractor advertising a safe room as "FEMA approved" or "FEMA certified" is misrepresenting it, FEMA says.
FEMAPrograms by state
Storm shelter rebates and rules by state
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Why it matters
A rebate can cover a big share of the cost.
State and regional safe room rebate programs, usually funded through FEMA hazard mitigation grants, can reimburse part of the cost of a residential shelter. Most open for short application windows, choose applicants by lottery, and require approval before construction starts.
Programs require shelters built to FEMA P-320 or P-361 and ICC 500. FEMA does not approve or certify products, so a contractor calling a shelter "FEMA approved" is a red flag. Check standards and documentation before you sign.
Guides
Plain answers, sourced
FEMA safe room vs. storm shelter: what is the difference?
Learn the real difference between a FEMA safe room and a storm shelter, how ICC 500 fits in, and what to check before you buy or build.
Read →How state storm shelter rebate programs work
Learn how storm shelter rebate programs work, what shelters qualify, where funding comes from, and how to check state or local rules first.
Read →How much does a storm shelter cost?
Storm shelter costs often range from about $3,000 to $30,000. Learn what affects price, which standards matter, and how rebates can help.
Read →In-ground vs. above-ground storm shelters
Compare in-ground and above-ground storm shelters, including safety standards, flood risk, access, and how to choose the right fit for your home and family.
Read →ICC 500 and FEMA P-320 standards in plain English
Plain-English guide to ICC 500 and FEMA P-320: what the standards mean, how to compare shelters, and what to ask installers before you buy.
Read →How to choose a storm shelter installer
Learn how to choose a storm shelter installer, compare standards, check labels, permits, anchoring, and paperwork, and spot red flags.
Read →Featured partners