Kentucky Tax Credit
Important Notice
Kentucky has approved a residential safe room rebate program to help eligible homeowners install or construct a storm shelter or safe room. The program is expected to begin accepting applications in January 2027. Homeowners should verify current program availability and requirements with Kentucky Emergency Management before purchasing or installing a safe room for rebate purposes.
Program Overview
Kentucky Senate Bill 11 establishes a Residential Safe Room Rebate Program administered by the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. The program is designed to help Kentucky residents improve severe weather preparedness by offsetting part of the cost of installing or constructing a FEMA-compliant residential safe room.
Funding is limited. All eligible applicants will have an equal chance of being selected through a lottery process. If you have any questions, please contact our call center at 1-833-592-6362 (MEMA). The call center will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants are Kentucky residents who install or construct a residential safe room at their primary residence. The safe room may be either a standalone structure adjacent to the home or an internal safe room within or attached to the primary residence.
To qualify, the safe room must meet or exceed the most current editions of ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 standards, and it must be made available to the community during a weather-related emergency.
Grant Basics
The rebate may cover 50% of the eligible construction or installation costs, up to a maximum of $5,000. The homeowner must apply through the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management once the application process becomes available.
As part of the application process, Kentucky Emergency Management is expected to verify that the safe room complies with FEMA guidelines and that it will be available to the community during weather-related emergencies. The application may include details such as the safe room location, occupancy, and how community members would know how to access it during severe weather.