South Carolina Awards for Safe Homes Top $1M

The South Carolina Department of Insurance awarded a fifth round of grants through the state’s Safe Home Grant Program, according to Scott H. Richardson, insurance department director.

Richardson, also chairman of the Advisory Committee for the South Carolina Building Codes Council, said the committee awarded 51 grants totaling approximately $255,000 to homeowners in coastal communities.

Thus far the state has given 211 grants totaling approximately $1 million.

Wind Mitigation

Grants for up to $5,000 each were awarded to qualifying applicants to help them strengthen their homes against the high winds associated with hurricanes and other natural disasters. During this round, grants were awarded to homeowners living in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Georgetown, and Horry Counties.

The home grant program was established June 2007 as a part of the Omnibus Coastal Property Insurance Reform Act of 2007. The program provides opportunities for families to increase the safety of their homes against the high winds associated with hurricanes and severe storms.

Retrofitted homes are less vulnerable to the effect of severe storms, thereby rendering storm damage less likely and less extreme, Richardson said.

Fewer damages result in fewer or lower insurance claims and will ultimately reduce insurance premiums for all South Carolinians, he added.

“We look forward to a positive industry response through lower premiums as South Carolina citizens are rising to the challenges and recognizing the importance of fortifying one’s home,” Richardson said.