FORT PIERCE - The St. Lucie County Community Services Department and INTACT, the non-profit, long-term recovery organization, are continuing to take applications for the My Safe Florida Home Low-Income Program.

Grant funding is still available toward hurricane shutters, garage and entry doors, secondary water barriers and gable-end bracing. There is no match required for eligible residents of St. Lucie County. Homeowners who are homesteaded in site built homes that were constructed prior to 2002 and who meet the low-income criteria are eligible to apply. There are reports about the direct grant program closing as of May 31, but the low-income program continues to accept applications through June of 2009.

All homeowners, including those that are not low income, can apply online at www.mysafefloridahome.com for a free wind inspection or by calling the department's toll-free My Safe Florida Home helpline at (866) 513-6734. The direct grant program has ended, but the free inspection is still available.

Hurricane season is here. This is an opportunity to get your home prepared to withstand those storms and save you money on your insurance premiums. Program participants have reported annual reductions up to $1,200 in their windstorm premiums. For more information on the low-income programs call St. Lucie County Community Services at (772) 462-1777.

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