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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has expanded its second pilot launch of OKReady, the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program. Eight new zip codes (74014, 74063, 74107, 74114, 74120, 74132, 74437, 74447) are being added to the eligible list in this second pilot for a total of 17 eligible zip codes. The application process opened on May 5, and the second pilot period has been well received with increased demand. Interested applicants who live in one of these zip codes can apply online immediately.
The zip codes were selected using several criteria, including storm data, paid loss ratios and the number of active policies in the selected zip codes. The OID reviewed all zip codes in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) based on certified contractor and evaluator availability. The final selection looked at the top zip codes that had factors including paid loss ratios, more than 500 policies in force, average claim frequency, strong wind and hail loss index scores as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“We are very pleased with our first three months of activity since launching the program in March,” said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and director of OKReady. “These eight zip codes represent communities that have been significantly impacted by convective storms, and we are excited to add them to our second pilot.”
The goal of early pilot periods is to make sure staff can process full applications, address any technology issues and confirm that external partners can handle the grant demand in a new market. The OID will launch several additional pilots through 2025 with the goal of providing a thousand grants by year-end.
OKReady will be allocating up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in grant funds per approved household. The funding will be allocated towards approved construction projects which will fortify homes pursuant to the IBHS FORTIFIED Home – Roof™ – High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement. Grant funds will be paid to the contractor on behalf of the homeowner after receiving the IBHS FORTIFIED Certification.
Check out www.oid.ok.gov/OKReady for eligible zip codes, document requirements, income tiers, and other resources. If you have questions about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program or application process, please email the team at okready@oid.ok.gov.
Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221
ABOUT OID
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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