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Oklahoma homeowners face some of the most severe weather conditions in the nation. From devastating tornadoes to destructive hailstorms, our roofs take a beating year after year. At Holbrook Leavitt & Associates PLLC, we work with homeowners throughout the Tulsa area who deal with storm damage claims, and we're excited to share information about the Oklahoma Insurance Department's new Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program (OKReady). This groundbreaking initiative offers grants of up to $10,000 to help homeowners upgrade to storm-resistant FORTIFIED roofs, potentially reducing their insurance premiums.

What Is the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program?

The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act, signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2024, went into effect on November 1, 2024, with grant applications opening in early 2025. The program provides grants to Oklahoma residents for residential wind and hail mitigation on owner-occupied, primary residence single-family homes, with funding coming from the insurance industry in Oklahoma rather than the state's general budget.

The grant covers up to $10,000 in costs for roof upgrades and is paid directly to contractors upon completion of the project and submission of required paperwork, including the FORTIFIED certificate from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). If upgrade costs exceed the grant amount, homeowners are responsible for the difference.

Understanding FORTIFIED Roof Standards

The mitigation standard adopted by the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program is known as FORTIFIED Home, developed after decades of research by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety as a voluntary, beyond-code construction and re-roofing program. To receive the grant, homeowners must obtain an IBHS FORTIFIED Home – Roof – High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement.

This includes:

• Enhanced roof deck attachment

• A sealed roof deck

• Locked-down roof edges

• Impact-resistant shingles

• Wind- and rain-resistant attic vents.

These upgrades work together to create a comprehensive defense system against Oklahoma's severe weather. The sealed roof deck prevents water infiltration even if shingles are blown off, while impact-resistant materials protect against hail damage that typically costs Oklahoma homeowners thousands in repairs.

Program Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes grant, you must meet several criteria:

Property Requirements

• The home must be your primary residence in any of Oklahoma's 77 counties

• Must be a single-family, owner-occupied home

• Property must be in good repair with no existing storm damage

• Home must be eligible for the FORTIFIED Home designation as determined by a FORTIFIED Evaluator and meet the eligibility criteria described in the 2025 FORTIFIED Standard

Insurance Requirements

• Must provide proof of an active homeowners' insurance policy with wind coverage

• Must have an in-force flood insurance policy if your home is in a special flood hazard area

Documentation Requirements

• Proof of homestead exemption

• Copy of previous year's tax return (Form 1040)

• Social Security Number

• Current insurance policy documentation

The Application Process

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Applications are submitted electronically through the Oklahoma Insurance Department's OKReady website at oid.ok.gov/okready. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible zip codes, so early application is crucial.

Step 2: FORTIFIED Evaluation

FORTIFIED Evaluators are independent, third-party professionals who have been trained and certified in FORTIFIED standard requirements and who document and verify the entire construction process to ensure program requirements are met. The pre-evaluation determines whether your home is eligible for the FORTIFIED Roof standard and identifies necessary upgrade work.

Step 3: Contractor Selection

Contractors must become Certified FORTIFIED service providers to be chosen as part of the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, which requires specific training and examination. You'll select from the Oklahoma Insurance Department's list of approved contractors who have met these certification requirements.

Step 4: Receive Grant Approval

After evaluation and approval, you'll receive confirmation that your project is approved. Work cannot begin until you receive your grant letter.

Step 5: Roof Upgrade and Certification

Once approved, your certified contractor will complete the FORTIFIED roof upgrade according to IBHS standards. After completion, the independent evaluator verifies the work, and you receive your FORTIFIED certification.

Step 6: Payment to Contractor

Upon completion and approval, the Oklahoma Insurance Department makes payment directly to the roofing contractor.

Proven Results and Insurance Savings

A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Alabama showed that homeowners with FORTIFIED homes are better protected from hurricanes than with standard construction.

The research revealed impressive statistics:

• FORTIFIED roofs reduced loss frequency by at least 55% and as much as 74%

• Claim severity decreased by 15% to 40%

• The FORTIFIED system reduced deductibles paid by policyholders by more than 60%

Beyond storm protection, FORTIFIED roofs offer financial benefits through insurance premium reductions. Homes with a FORTIFIED Home Designation in Oklahoma receive discounts on the wind portion of their homeowner's insurance premium. These discounts can reach up to 42% on the wind portion of premiums, depending on your insurer.

Why This Program Matters for Oklahoma Homeowners

Oklahoma consistently ranks among the top states for severe weather claims. Traditional roofing systems, while meeting building codes, often fail to withstand the extreme conditions our state experiences regularly. The gap between code-compliant and storm-resistant construction leaves many homeowners vulnerable to repeated damage and escalating insurance costs.

The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program addresses this vulnerability by making advanced storm mitigation accessible and affordable. By subsidizing the additional cost of FORTIFIED upgrades, typically 10-15% more than standard roofing, the program helps more families invest in long-term protection.

Taking the Next Step

If you're considering a roof replacement or have experienced storm damage, the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program presents an excellent opportunity to upgrade to superior protection while managing costs. However, navigating grant applications, contractor selection, and insurance considerations can be complex.

At Holbrook Leavitt & Associates PLLC, we understand the challenges Oklahoma homeowners face with property insurance claims and storm damage. While we don't handle grant applications directly, we're here to help if you encounter insurance claim denials or disputes related to storm damage, whether on an existing roof or after FORTIFIED upgrades.

If you're dealing with a denied or undervalued insurance claim for storm damage, contact us online or call (918) 992-2330 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis and are committed to holding insurance companies accountable. Your peace of mind is our priority.