California homeowners could qualify for grants for new roofs and fire safety

"Some homeowners in areas of California with high wildfire risk could eventually get money for new roofs or to build fire-resistant zones around their properties under a new state law that goes into effect today. The Safe Homes grant program is designed to help low- and middle-income homeowners with fire mitigation. People who qualify could use grants to create 5-foot ember-resistant zones around properties, also known as Zone Zero, as required by law in some areas. The program will also contribute toward costs for fire-safe roofs."

"Soller said homeowners who have policies with admitted insurance carriers or the last-resort FAIR Plan and who live in high-risk areas will have to meet income limits set by the state housing department to be eligible for the grants, whose amounts have not been determined. Communities, cities and counties with mitigation projects could also apply for grants. He also said the insurance department plans to advocate for additional and ongoing funding for the program."

The Safe Homes grant program provides funds to help low- and middle-income homeowners in high wildfire-risk areas pay for fire mitigation measures. Grants can be used to create 5-foot ember-resistant zones around properties, known as Zone Zero, and to contribute toward the cost of fire-safe roofs. The California Department of Insurance will implement the program, determine eligibility, grant amounts, and distribution, and is building an application portal aimed for March. Eligibility requires policies with admitted carriers or the FAIR Plan and income limits set by the state housing department. Cities, counties, and community mitigation projects may also apply. The department plans to seek additional funding, and federal sources such as FEMA are being considered.

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