The Alabama Department of Insurance published information on the Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) program, which has been effective since January 1, 2016, with parts of it amended on June 11, 2024, to be effective January 1, 2025.
The program provides grants of up to $10,000 to Alabama residents to strengthen their homes against wind damage, including high winds and wind-driven rain. The program's objective is to lower insurance rates in Alabama by mitigating as many homes as possible. Homes with a FORTIFIED™ designation can receive substantial discounts on their homeowners policy premium.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a homeowner in a county where grants are being approved. The home should be a single-family, owner-occupied dwelling and can't be a condo or mobile home. The home should be in good repair unless damaged by hurricane, other wind, or hail. The grants can be used in conjunction with repairs required as a result of damages from a hurricane, non-hurricane wind, or hail. Homeowners must be able to provide proof of an in-force policy providing wind insurance, and if the home is in a special flood hazard area, provide proof of an in-force flood policy.
To receive the grant, the home must reach an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ or FORTIFIED Silver™ standard.
FORTIFIED Roof is the first level of protection offered, and it is specifically designed to prevent damage that commonly occurs to the roof during severe weather. Its primary goal is to keep water out. FORTIFIED Silver is the next level and includes the protection of FORTIFIED Roof and adds additional protection to vulnerable components and openings such as parapets, doors, and windows. More on the IBHS FORTIFIED Program can be found at IBHS FORTIFIED Program Overview.
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible applicants. If the bid by the contractor is more than the grant awarded, the homeowner is responsible for the additional cost.
The regulation can be found here.