With hurricane season just around the corner, Citadel Enterprises wants to inform area residents about an opportunity to improve the safety of their homes against the effects of hurricanes. The company’s Web site, www.citadelenterprises.com, now has information that details how some South Carolina homeowners can obtain mitigation grants of up to $5,000.

The money will allow homeowners to make necessary improvements to their homes which will make the structures more resistant to severe storms and to wind damage.

Under the Omnibus Insurance Reform Act of 2007, the SC Safe Home (SCSH) Loss Mitigation Grant Program, operated within the South Carolina Department of Insurance, is offering the grant money. To apply for the funds, a homeowner must have a wind inspection completed by a company which is a South Carolina Safe Home Program Insurance Certified Wind Inspection Examiner. The homeowner can then submit the report and the completed application to SCSH. Once approved, the homeowner may receive up to $5,000 for retrofitting the home or a matching grant where the homeowner will be matched dollar for dollar on money spent on home improvements. If the application is approved, the work must be completed by a SCSH Program Certified Contractor.

Grant funds are available for the following mitigation improvements:

• Roof deck attachments

• Secondary water barrier

• Roof covering

• Brace gable ends

• Reinforced roof-to-wall connections

• Opening protection

• Exterior doors including garage doors

• Tie downs

Homeowners can learn the specifics about this program at www.citadelenterprises.com.

“I encourage every homeowner to learn more about this program,” said Pete Loy, president of Citadel Enterprises. “It is an excellent opportunity for Lowcountry residents to protect their homes from major damage in the event a hurricane hits our area. Additionally, the renovations may help the value of one’s home in the long run.”