If you live in a hurricane- or tornado-prone state like Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Oklahoma, your roof plays a big role in protecting your home.
A FORTIFIED™ roof is built to hold up better than a regularly constructed roof against wind speeds comparable to a Category 3 hurricane (111–129 mph) or an EF-2 tornado (113–157 mph). It also resists flying debris and wind-driven rain — all common in coastal and tornado-prone areas.
For homes in high-wind areas, the FORTIFIED™ standard requires a continuous load path (CLP) designed for a minimum wind speed of 130 mph, with roof sheathing and components engineered to withstand up to 140 mph (per ASCE standards).
What Is Wind Mitigation?
Wind mitigation involves strengthening your home’s structure — especially the roof — to better resist wind and rain during hurricanes, tornadoes, or similar storms. It reduces storm damage, helps save on home insurance, and provides other financial incentives.
Read more about how the FORTIFIED™ homes in the path of Hurricane Sally, a category 2 storm which made landfall in Gulf Shores, AL in September 2020, significantly resisted high winds and reduced damage in this Alabama Department of Insurance article.
The benefits are real:
- Lower insurance premiums (up to 55% off the wind portion)
- More protection during storms means more peace of mind
- Higher resale value — homes with FORTIFIED™ roofs sell for up to 7% more
- Peace of mind from protecting your investment and your family
Want more good news? Several states offer grants and incentives to help cover the cost of these upgrades. Here’s how to qualify — state by state.
How to Qualify for the Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant Program
The Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) program offers up to $10,000 in grant funding to help homeowners upgrade to a FORTIFIED™ roof. The program is run by the Alabama Department of Insurance and is available for:
- Existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes
- Homes that are not for sale or rentals
- Residents in eligible counties (check strengthenalabamahomes.com)
This program is not federally funded and does not use tax dollars. Funding comes from Alabama’s insurance industry.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Home must be your primary residence
- You must have homeowner’s insurance (including wind and flood, if required)
- Mobile homes, townhomes, and condos do not qualify
- Must pay a fee for the required FORTIFIED™ evaluation
How to Apply (Step-by-Step):
- Create a profile: Go to strengthenalabamahomes.com and register. Submit:
- Income verification (Form 1040)
- Insurance declaration pages
- Vendor disclosure form
- Choose a certified evaluator: Hire a FORTIFIED™ evaluator like Fortified Inspections to inspect your home and provide a report with required upgrades.
- Get three contractor bids: Pick three contractors from the SAH-approved list. Submit all bids. You’ll receive a grant award letter once bids are reviewed. The grant amount won’t be visible until all bids are received.
- Start the Work: After you accept the grant, the contractor can begin the mitigation work — including roof deck upgrades, sealed seams, stronger edges, impact-resistant shingles, chimney bracing, and more.
- Final Certification: Once work is complete, your home will be certified as FORTIFIED Roof™, Silver™, or Gold™, depending on the upgrades. The grant is paid directly to the contractor.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Up to $10,000 in grant funding
- $3,000 state tax credit (Alabama residents)
- Up to 55% off your wind insurance premium
- 7% higher resale value (University of Alabama study)
How to Qualify for the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program
In 2024, the Oklahoma Insurance Department organized a program to help homeowners in tornado- and hail-prone areas protect their homes with FORTIFIED™ upgrades. These structural enhancements are recommended by a home evaluator like Fortified Inspections.
The upgrades — including enhanced roof deck attachment, sealed roof deck, locked down roof edges, impact-resistant shingles, and wind and rain-resistant attic vents — have been scientifically proven to help homes withstand high winds, hail, and heavy rain.
The science behind the benefits of having a FORTIFIED™ Roof is real! FORTIFIED™ roofs hold up better and have less damage following severe storms than homes with regular roofs.
Program Benefits:
- Grant amount of up to $10,000 (paid directly to the contractor)
- Up to 42% off the wind portion coverage of your homeowner’s insurance (Oklahoma Insurance Department incentive details)
Who Qualifies:
- Homeowners with a single-family home as their primary residence in an eligible zip code
- Home must be structurally eligible
- Proof of homeowner’s insurance (with wind and flood insurance if required)
- Must use certified evaluators/contractors
- Income tiers:
- Tier 1: Household with income of $62,138 or less
- Tier 2: Household with income above $62,138
The program is still developing, so check back often for application openings and qualifying zip codes. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department program page. To begin the application process, visit Strengthen Oklahoma Homes.
How to Qualify for the Strengthen Mississippi Homes (SMH) Program
The SMH program, administered by the Mississippi Insurance Department, offers funding to homeowners in coastal counties to reduce hurricane risk. The goal is to protect property against wind and rain damage and lower insurance rates for homeowners.
Who Qualifies:
- Owner-occupied, single-family homes in eligible counties (currently Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock; expanding to Pearl River, Stone, and George)
- Must meet income and insurance guidelines (including wind coverage)
- No mobile homes or condominiums
Application Details:
- Grant amount varies by cycle
- Some cycles use a lottery system
- FORTIFIED™ evaluation is required (free to homeowners)
For more information, visit the Mississippi Insurance Department website. Questions? Call 1-800-562-2957 or email the program at smh@mid.ms.gov.
How to Qualify for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP)
The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program provides up to $10,000 to homeowners for roof upgrades to better withstand hurricane-force winds.
Homeowners may also receive insurance discounts of up to 30% for a FORTIFIED™ Roof.
Eligibility:
- Must live in eligible parishes in a coastal zone
- Must have a home insurance policy with wind coverage (and flood coverage if designated by FEMA)
- Must own and live in the home full-time
How It Works:
- Homeowners must register a profile in advance
- Selection is by lottery
- Hire an experienced home evaluator like Fortified Inspections to recommend upgrades
- No work can begin until grant approval is received. Grant is paid directly to the contractor
For frequently asked questions, visit the LFHP FAQ page. Apply and get details at the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program website.
Why Apply for a Grant Now
Grants like these don’t last forever. They are awarded on a rolling basis until funds are gone. Each program has either limited funding, quarterly deadlines, or lottery-based selections (Louisiana). Applying early increases your chances of having your roof fortified.
The benefits include:
- Insurance discounts
- Tax incentives
- Better storm protection
- Higher home value
- Peace of mind
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
A FORTIFIED™ roof gives you peace of mind — and these grant programs make the upgrade more affordable than ever.
- Visit your state’s program page
- Apply before funds run out
- Upgrade your home before the next storm season
Check your state’s program details and start your application today to make your home stronger and save money.
To begin the application process:
- Mississippi — or call 1-800-562-2957 / email smh@mid.ms.gov
Need help? We’re here to walk you through the process. Contact us at Fortified Inspections, call 251-348-7450, or email info@fortifiedinspections.com. We’ll help make your home stronger and safer — and give your family priceless peace of mind for the storms ahead.