City of Duncanville

The cities of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, and Lancaster (known as Best Southwest) are pleased to announce the Best Southwest Residential Safe Room Rebate Program. Homeowners within these cities that are interested in installing a tornado safe room on their property are encouraged to apply for this program! Successful participation in this program provides a rebate back to the homeowner of half the cost to install the tornado safe room, capped at $3,000. The safe room can be a prefabricated safe room install or the construction of a safe room. Safe Room work cannot begin before a homeowner is accepted into the program; any pre-existing safe rooms or work on a safe room before program acceptance are not eligible for this rebate program.

There are 40 total homeowner spots available for program participation. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a first come first served basis. A Waitlist will be maintained in the event spots open up or additional funding is available.

This program is being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Funds will be distributed to program participants via the City of Lancaster at completion of program participation.

Program Overview Town Hall Meetings

Residents had the opportunity to participate in a public meeting to learn more about this Safe Room Rebate Program and ask questions. All potentially interested homeowners from the Best Southwest cities were encouraged to attend! A recording of the Virtual Meeting is posted below.

Program Guidelines and Application

Click the below link to access the Program Guidelines and Application packet. The Program Guidelines contain important program information, including program steps and a list of required documentation. Please read this Guideline in its entirety before submitting an application to ensure you agree with all program requirements. Failure to correctly complete documentation or comply with program guidelines could result in loss of rebate eligibility.

Click to read the Program Guidelines and Application.

Program Timeline

How to Apply

To apply for program participation on or after April 1, 2025, you must submit the Program Application (located on page 12 of the Guidelines and Application packet). You must also submit Proof of Home Ownership: Copy of current Property Tax Statement listing applicants name OR Copy of Deed listing applicant’s name. Any applications submitted before April 1, 2025 will be not be reviewed or saved. You are encouraged to read the Program Guidelines and Application packet in full prior to applying to ensure you can comply with all program requirements.

Option 1: Submit Application Online

You can submit your application electronically through this webpage. The online application form will open on this webpage on April 1, 2025.

Option 2: Submit via Email

Download the above linked Program Guidelines and Application. The Application fields can be edited in the PDF on the computer and saved. Or the form can be printed and filled out legibly by hand. Please email the Application page and Proof of Home Ownership to RegionalEM@duncanville.com.

 Option 3: Submit in Person to City Fire Administration

 If you download and complete the Program Guidelines and Application PDF (see above instructions), you can turn in the documents to Duncanville Fire Administration located at 1530 S. Main St., Duncanville, TX 75137.

 You can also pick up a printed version of the Guidelines and Application from the Duncanville Fire Administration and return it when complete. Don’t forget to include Proof of Home Ownership.

Tell staff that your documents are for Regional Emergency Management.

Helpful Safe Room Guidance for Homeowners:

Click the below links to review guidance from FEMA specific to Safe Rooms. Safe Room installers are required to comply with all FEMA guidance in order for the safe room to be eligible for program rebate. Ensure your selected Safe Room installer is familiar with the below guidance and will comply with it.

FEMA P-320. Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building or Installing a Safe Room for Your Home

FEMA P-361. Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms

FEMA Safe Room Publications and Resources Page (for additional information)

Contact Information

This Program is being administered by Best Southwest Emergency Management, who serves Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, and Lancaster. For any questions about program participation, contact the office at:

Email: RegionalEM@duncanville.com
Office Phone: (972) 780-5054