Emergency Management Wind Mitigation
Provides a voucher for wind mitigating projects to tribal members within the Choctaw Nation service area.
Eligibility
- Must be a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tribal member
- Copy of CDIB or tribal membership card
- Proof of residency – home located within the Choctaw Nation service area
- Proof of homeownership – home must be the applicant's primary residence
- Copy of filed warranty deed or current utility bill or registered 911 address
- If applicant owns two or more homes, applicant is only eligible for a voucher for their primary residence
- Vouchers are awarded one time per household
- Project must be an approved project offered within program guidelines (see below)
- Any excess cost over the allotted $1,500 will be the applicant's responsibility
- Complete application (below)
- Applications will be reviewed for eligibility per Choctaw Nation and FEMA grant regulations
- If the home is a LEAP home, applicant must show documentation that the residence is part of the LEAP Program offered by the Choctaw Nation
- If the applicant lives in a mobile home, applicant must own both the mobile home and the land it is located on
- Apartment complexes, duplexes, rental homes, and other multi-family residences are not eligible for this program, as they are considered businesses
- If applicant has already completed a wind mitigation project or is in the process of doing one, that project is not eligible for this program
How to Apply
Apply through January 27, 2025 using the webform below.
Additional Information
Applicants may apply for up to a $1,500 voucher for approved wind mitigation activities such as tree removal, reinforcing garage doors, hurricane straps, etc. Approved applicants will receive additional information sent to the email provided on the application.
Once the voucher is sent, the applicant is responsible for completing the voucher and finding a contractor to complete the approved wind mitigation project. The contractor will submit the voucher to the Choctaw Nation for payment of up to $1,500.
If an applicant wishes not to use a contractor, the applicant must send the Choctaw Nation receipts of items purchased and proof of completed project via photos or video. The Choctaw Nation is not responsible for any damages done to the home or homeowner if the applicant chooses not to use a contractor.
If the applicant’s project does not reach $1,500, any excess funding is kept with the Choctaw Nation and returned to the grant. The applicant may not keep extra funds.
Applicant must complete the project and return the voucher within six (6) months. If the project is unable to be completed within the six-month timeframe due to unforeseen circumstances, please call the hotline at 844-709-6301.
Approved Wind Mitigation Projects
Retrofitting your home can provide structural updates that didn’t exist when it was constructed. For example, a homeowner can install straps to their roof’s structural beams to make it strong enough to resist the “uplift” effect of high winds that can cause it to lift and collapse back down on the house.
Garage doors can be reinforced with girts and strengthened by the wheel tracks. Double-entry doors can be reinforced with a heavy-duty deadbolt, adding slide bolts on one of the doors and using longer hinge attachments on the door and frame.
Storm shutters can prevent windows from breaking when there is windborne debris. Shatter-resistant film or stormproof high-impact glass can also defend glass from breaking.
High winds can cause trees and branches to fall. Make sure any damaged trees on the property are trimmed or removed regularly. Your home should be at least a full-grown tree’s height away from the base of any tree, usually about 40 feet away.
Your roof is your first line of defense in a high wind event. Re-adhere any loose shingles and consider impact-resistant shingles when installing a roof. Install roof strappings to anchor the roof framing to the wall framings so the wind can’t lift your roof off your house.
Prevent wind or water from coming in. Make sure caulking around windows and doors is in good shape and not cracked, broken, or missing. Fill holes or gaps around pipes or wires that enter your building with a waterproof sealant.
Bolt your entire structure to the foundation using anchor bolts. Use a professional engineer or architect to make sure the anchoring system is designed and installed correctly.
Have inspections completed to ensure they are firmly attached and in sound structural condition. Secure any parts of fencing that appear weak or loose.
Rock and gravel materials can cause serious damage during a severe wind event. During extreme wind events, gravel and even shredded vinyl siding are found in mailboxes. Replace these materials with a softer material, such as mulch or dirt.
If an exterior fuel tank or any of your utilities are located outside, anchor or tie them down according to the ground anchor instructions. This will help reduce the risk of them overturning and sliding.