South Carolina's grant program for home owners who beef up their residences to withstand hurricane winds has begun making awards, it was announced.

Scott H. Richardson, South Carolina insurance director and chair of the Advisory Committee for the South Carolina Building Codes Council, said in a statement that the SC Safe Home Grant Program has awarded grants of up to $5,000 each to 14 homeowners.

The SC Safe Home Grant Program, administered by the South Carolina Department of Insurance, was established in June when state's legislature passed the Omnibus Insurance Reform Act of 2007.

Homeowners can apply for the program to receive funds up to $5,000 to make specific mitigation improvements as recommended by a SC Safe Home Certified Wind Inspector. During the pilot phase of the SC Safe Home Grant Program, grants are awarded on a first come, first serve basis focusing on those areas that are most vulnerable to the effects of hurricane damaging winds.

"We have all seen the damage that these natural disasters can cause and encourage homeowners to take the necessary steps to protect their property," said Director Richardson.

Of the latest grant recipients, seven are located in Berkeley County, three in Charleston County, three in Horry County and one in Dorchester County.

Special Reports /

Hurricane Mitigation Grants Go Out in S.C.

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