CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $368,487 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Middle Point, Ohio, for the construction of a community safe room in the village’s new fire/EMS station. Following the completion of the project, the community safe room will be made available to the citizens of Middle Point.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo.  “The construction of this community safe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“The safe room project is a clear example of disaster prevention. The efforts of local, state and the federal government working together for the benefit of citizens is what saves lives,” said Nancy Dragani, executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $491,316 eligible project cost.  The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $122,829, will be provided by the village of Middle Point and the state of Ohio.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455