CANADIAN COUNTY, Okla. – Hundreds of residents in Canadian County have an opportunity to be selected for storm shelters at a very low-cost.
This is possible through a grant from the American Red Cross.
Canadian County residents are jumping to the opportunity.
“Probably right here. Right where the swing set is,” said Jerry Ledford.
The Ledford family is already sizing up their backyard, hoping for a storm shelter for their growing family.
They have a 3-year-old girl named Raegan and are expecting a baby boy any day now.
“When he comes into the world, he’ll only be 3-4 months old next storm season so we need a place close to get him in there,” said Shandell Ledford.
The Ledford’s are one out of hundreds of Canadian County residents on the waiting list for a shelter.
Through an application and rebate process, made possible by the American Red Cross, residents can get up to $2,000 back after installing their shelter.
“We received a $520,000 grant from the Red Cross, a very generous donation to install approximately 208 storm shelters,” said Jerry Smith, Director of Emergency Management for Canadian County.
Canadian County residents have until September 18th to apply.
County emergency management officials will then select people through various phases.
Phase one will grant people storm shelters, affected by last year’s storms first.
Phase two will put the remaining applicants, like the Ledford family, into a lottery drawing.
“This is just another added benefit to Emergency Management to help the people stay safe,” said Smith.
Security the Ledford’s are hoping for.
“It will be a relief, a giant relief, for us, the neighbors, because they’re all welcome,” said Ledford.
For more information about this 2014 Storm Shelter Grant or to apply visit, canadiancounty.org
Canadian County residents have until Thursday, September 18th to apply.