MS| The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) announced the implementation of the Strengthen Mississippi Homes (SMH) Program, part of the Mississippi Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program, to provide financial grants for retrofitting single-family, owner-occupied homes against hurricane damage. The program will begin with a Testing Phase in October 2024, mitigating 30 homes to the IBHS FORTIFIED standard, before a full rollout in early 2025. The initiative aims to streamline processes and ensure program success through collaboration with industry experts and similar programs in neighboring states.
Key Points:
- Program Overview: The SMH Program offers grants to retrofit homes for hurricane resistance, with full implementation expected in early 2025.
- Testing Phase: Starting October 2024, 30 homes will be mitigated to the FORTIFIED standard to identify and resolve potential issues before the full rollout.
- Collaboration and Guidance: The program is developed in partnership with organizations like IBHS and modeled after successful programs in Alabama and Louisiana.