Oklahoma City homeowners can apply online at www.okc.gov now through February 15 for a chance to receive a partial rebate on the purchase and installation of a new safe room.

A safe room is any above or below ground shelter that provides protection from a tornado and meets or exceeds FEMA 320 and/or 361 guidelines.

Participants will be chosen from an electronic random selection to be conducted at the end of February.  Sixty-four homes per ward will be selected for a total of 504 Oklahoma City homes.

Recipients will be notified by mail and given 30 days to return a voluntary participation notice.  The storm shelter can be installed only after participants receive a notice to proceed from the City. Recipients will then have nine months to install their shelter.

A maximum rebate of $2,000 is available per home selected, not to exceed 75 percent of the cost of the storm shelter. Industry experts estimate the cost of a shelter ranges anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 or more.

“Now that our safe room program is off the ground we hope to offer it annually to residents,” Emergency Manager Frank Barnes said.  “Having a safe room in your home is the best way to protect your family during a tornado.”

Residents can apply on line at www.okc.gov or pick up an application at the City Clerk’s Office on the second floor of City Hall, 200 N Walker.