Oklahoma homeowners know how unpredictable our weather can be. With tornado season bringing real risks each year, a storm shelter isn’t just a smart investment—it can be life-saving. But what if you could get one for half the price—or even free?
Thanks to Oklahoma storm shelter grants and rebate programs, many families have been able to significantly reduce the cost of installation. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’ve worked with thousands of grant and rebate recipients across the state, from tribal programs to city and county initiatives.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how these programs work, who qualifies, and what to expect along the way.
Storm Shelter Grants vs. Rebates: What’s the Difference?
💸 Storm Shelter Rebates
Rebate programs reimburse you after your storm shelter is installed. Here’s how they work:
- You’ll pay the full cost of the shelter at installation
- We help you complete all required paperwork
- You submit everything to the rebate provider (typically SoonerSafe or FEMA)
- Rebate checks typically arrive within 8–12 weeks
Financing Available: If paying the full amount up front is difficult, we offer storm shelter financing starting at 3.99% APR so you don’t miss out on the program.
💸 Storm Shelter Grants
Grant programs offer financial help before your shelter is installed.
- Grants typically range from $1,750 to $8,000+
- You provide your grant voucher and pay the remaining balance at installation
- We handle all the paperwork; the organization pays us directly
Popular Grant & Rebate Programs in Oklahoma
We’ve worked with a wide range of organizations that offer storm shelter assistance:
🌍 Tribal Housing Authorities
- Chickasaw Nation
- Choctaw Nation Housing Authority
- Comanche Nation Housing Authority
- Delaware Nation
- Ft. Sill Apache Housing Authority
- Osage Nation
(We plan to expand this list with detailed posts for each program soon!)
🏢 Statewide Rebate
- Oklahoma Emergency Management SoonerSafe Rebate Program — open to all Oklahoma residents
How to Apply for a Storm Shelter Grant or Rebate
- Find a program you may qualify for based on your tribe, city, or county
- Apply directly through that organization’s website or housing authority
- Wait for approval and follow all instructions in your paperwork
- Once approved, contact us to schedule your shelter installation
⚠️ Programs may only open seasonally or after federally declared disasters. Don’t wait to apply when they reopen.
What Happens After You’re Approved?
Choose Your Shelter
Most programs let you choose any size or model that meets FEMA standards. Be sure to confirm with your paperwork, but in general, you’re free to select what suits your needs.
Permits & Planning
- Most cities in Oklahoma do require a permit (purchased by the homeowner)
- You’ll need:
- A storm shelter drawing (provided by us)
- A simple sketch of your home and shelter placement
- If you live outside city limits, you may not need a permit
What to Expect After Installation
We’ll guide you through the paperwork process, which varies by program:
🖊️ For Rebate Recipients:
- Signed contract
- Paid invoice
- Payment method receipt
- Completed rebate form (we notarize if needed)
- Copy of your shelter warranty
- Photos if required (ex: house front, installed shelter)
Rebate checks can take up to 12 weeks. If you financed your shelter, this allows time for reimbursement before paying your loan in full.
📄 For Grant Recipients:
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You’ll only pay the remaining balance at the time of installation
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Provide your grant paperwork or voucher
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Choctaw Nation: Present your voucher at installation
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Chickasaw Nation: You’ll receive a check made out to both you and Sprague’s Backhoe — use as payment at installation
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All other tribes: We’ll handle the final invoicing directly with your tribe or funding agency
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We take care of the rest—including all required paperwork submission
Expert Tips from Sprague’s Backhoe
- ⏳ Don’t wait until storm season. Lead times during spring/summer can reach 16+ weeks
- ❄️ Install during the off-season for shorter wait times (fall/winter)
- 📊 Use our storm shelter quiz if you’re unsure what type of shelter fits your needs
We’ve helped thousands of Oklahomans navigate the process of storm shelter grants and rebates—and we’re ready to help you, too.
Ready to Apply?
We make the process simple, the paperwork manageable, and your safety our top priority.
Storm Shelter Installs Across Oklahoma
Grant & Rebate Recipient Storm Shelter Installations
Take a look at some of the storm shelters we’ve installed for homeowners across Oklahoma who received grant or rebate assistance. From tribal housing programs to FEMA-funded rebates, we’ve helped families all over the state protect what matters most—safely and affordably.
