ROWLETT, Texas -- More than two years after a tornado tore through Rowlett, there is a new way residents can get ready if it happens again.
The city has secured a $465,000 federal grant to help residents install tornado safe rooms in their homes. They are currently taking applications and will conduct an information session later this week.
"We expect to be able to help as many as 150 households in Rowlett," said Brian Funderburk, Rowlett city manager.
So far, the city has received more than 180 applications. Families will be chosen through a random selection process, and those not selected will be put on a waiting list for future grant money. Grants cover half of the cost of purchase and installation, up to $3000.
"I remember, a lot of people, including my family, were under the stairs or in a closet somewhere [during the tornado,] people were very concerned about this," Funderburk said. "Where is that safe spot?"
Many companies now sell above-ground tornado shelters. Russell Mills with FamilySAFE of Texas has been in the business more than a decade.
"They can honestly save your life," Mills said. "We've had 13 of these go through direct hits of F4, F5 tornadoes."
The steel rooms are bolted to a home's foundation, often placed in the garage. Installation can take as little as an hour.
A 6-person room from FamilySAFE costs roughly $6,000 to purchase and install in the DFW area, but the grant money could now help those in Rowlett.
Any city can apply for the federal money, Funderburk said, but it takes a lot of paperwork. Rowlett went to the trouble because of their unfortunate experience, and now they hope residents will apply.