The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Statewide Residential Safe Room Grant Program, beginning October 31, 2025, at 8:00 AM. This program, funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, provides reimbursement grants to help Mississippi homeowners install FEMA-compliant safe rooms or storm shelters on their property.
Program Overview
Who Can Apply: Mississippi homeowners in any of the 82 counties who own their primary residence (single-family homes). Mobile or manufactured homeowners are eligible only if they also own the land. Renters, duplexes, apartments, and community safe rooms are not eligible.
Application Period: October 31 – November 30, 2025
Applications will be submitted through the MEMA website at www.msema.org. After the application period closes, eligible applicants will be entered into a statewide lottery for selection. EMA Directors can now view the site, but the website will not accept registrations until October 31, 2025, at 8:00 AM.
Grant Details:
38 applicants will be chosen from each county. A second lottery will be held if there are available grants that have not been claimed.
Reimbursement program – homeowners pay upfront and receive reimbursement after installation and inspection.
Covers 75% of eligible costs, up to $3,500 maximum.
Official approval from MEMA must be received before installation begins.
Safe Room Requirements
New safe rooms only – in-ground, above-ground, or partially above-ground.
Must comply with FEMA P-320 (2024) and ICC-500 (2023) standards.
Must be designed and sealed by a Mississippi-licensed Professional Engineer and installed by a licensed Mississippi contractor.
Must be located within 150 feet of an exterior door of the home and cannot exceed a 16-person capacity.
All installations must comply with local permitting and building code requirements.