Sullins says residents can apply for Safe Room rebate program
City of Newcastle Emergency Management Director and safety officer, Donnie Sullins said he wants area residents to take part in a Safe Room rebate program to help them be prepared in case of severe weather.
Sullins said the 2025 SoonerSafe program is open to the public and provides rebates for installation of residential safe rooms. It also gives priorities to residents affected by the 2024 disaster declarations in 26 Oklahoma counties which included Mc-Clain County.
To apply, go online with your computer or smart phone to this link: www. soonersafe.ok.gov.
Sullins said Newcastle has experienced 10 tornadoes in the past 20 years, including two EF5 tornadoes with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph. He said these storms represent the most destructive classification on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale and pose a significant threat to life and property.
The City does have an emergency Community Shelter located on the east side of Newcastle Elementary School, at 851 N. Carr Drive. Sullins said, however, that residents should be aware of several important limitations.
He said the shelter is only available to Newcastle Public School students and staff if a tornado warning is issued during school hours. The shelter’s capacity is limited to 1,094 people, and SHELTER on page 3 pets are not allowed inside the shelter.
SHELTER: Safe rooms offer protection
He said the shelter doors will lock down when a tornado or high wind-warned storm is within a five-mile radius of the shelter. This means that anyone arriving after that point is not able to enter.
Sullins said in recent years many of the surrounding communities have either closed their public shelters or do not have one. This has resulted in many individuals from outside Newcastle traveling to the Newcastle shelter during severe weather events.
“This significantly increases the likelihood that the shelter could reach capacity quickly, potentially leaving Newcastle residents without access,” Sullins said. “Given these limitations, residential safe rooms are the most dependable way for families to ensure immediate, secure protection during a tornado. A home safe room gives your family protection right where you are — no travel, no waiting, no risk of being turned away.”
The SoonerSafe rebate program offers Oklahoma howeowners the opportunity to receive a rebate of up to $3,000 for the purchase and installation of an above- or belowground safe room. The SoonerSafe program is awarded based on a random drawing of eligible applicants. It is also contingent upon federal funding.
