Staff Writer

While most people are celebrating New Year&8217;s Day, making resolutions and watching football games, the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency would like you to think about something else &8212; tornados.

On Monday, Jan. 8, the Shelby County EMA will hold a meeting for residents interested in learning more about a federal program that helps property owners build storm shelters.

The meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. in the Ray Building on Highway 70 in Columbiana.

At the meeting, EMA officials will explain eligibility criteria and how to apply for the FEMA grants.

The program works like this: A Shelby County property owner builds a storm shelter or safety room and pays all costs upfront. The federal government would then reimburse 75 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $3,500. All construction must be done by an Alabama Licensed Contractor and meet FEMA standards.

Priority will be given to individuals who live in mobile homes and victims of previous disasters.

The deal is only valid for property owners who live within county lines. Homes that are built in flood zones would also be excluded.

Anyone interested in applying for the financial assistance must attend Monday&8217;s meeting.

EMA Administrative Assistant Mindy Nash said the grants make storms shelters more readily available to more people.

&8220;We&8217;re basically trying to get help for citizens who want to build these shelters for their personal safety and their family&8217;s safety,&8221; said Nash.

This will be the third consecutive year that the county has applied for the FEMA grants.

In 2005, 16 shelters were built with federal aid and another 25 applications have been submitted for the past year.

If you have any questions or would like more information, contact the Shelby County EMA at 669-3999 or 669-3737