The Oklahoma Insurance Department is set to launch the second pilot of the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, which offers residents up to $10,000 to improve their homes to meet the IBHS Fortified standard. This initiative aims to help homeowners make their properties more resilient against severe weather.
Eligible residents in nine specific zip codes can apply online starting at noon on May 5. The selected zip codes were chosen based on factors like storm history, loss ratios, and the number of active insurance policies in those areas. The Oklahoma Insurance Department carefully reviewed all zip codes in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas, considering contractor availability and other important criteria.
The final list of zip codes includes areas such as Piedmont, West Edmond, and North Tulsa, among others. The department used data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess the risk factors for these locations.
The purpose of this pilot program is to test the application process, address any technology issues, and ensure that partners can meet the demand for grants in this new market. The department plans to conduct several more pilots through 2025, with a goal of issuing 1,000 grants by the end of that year.
This program stems from the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act, which was passed by lawmakers last year. It encourages residents to upgrade their roofs with impact-resistant materials, potentially leading to discounts of up to 42% on the wind portion of homeowner insurance premiums for those who achieve the Fortified designation.
The Oklahoma initiative is modeled after similar programs in Alabama and Louisiana, reflecting a growing commitment to enhancing residential safety in the face of increasing storm threats.