Iowans who own homes or buildings damaged by recent tornadoes may be eligible for grants to build tornado shelters or “safe rooms.” The Iowa Emergency Management Division is taking applications from individuals, governments and businesses to divide 87-thousand dollars.David Miller, the division’s Chief of Staff, says non-profit agencies and Indian tribal groups may also apply for the grants.Iowa usually gets between 25 and 50 tornadoes a year. Miller says the safe rooms would do just what the name says — keep people safe in a small but comfortable room during severe weather.Individual Iowans and local governments interested in the shelters should contact their county emergency management coordinator or the state division at (515) 281-3232 or visit: “www.state.ia.us/emergencymanagement”.
