Lake Support and Emergency Recovery, Inc. (LASER) announced that it is offering residents of the Mount Dora area the opportunity to strengthen their home before a hurricane. The organization is able to help some homeowners with roof replacements, secondary water barriers, gable bracing or shutters.

The organization is Lake County’s long-term recovery organization and began operations in 2005. According to the organization Facebook postTo apply for a grant, you must meet these conditions:

• 30-63 years old
• Underinsured/Uninsured
• Must own the house with no privileges on the house
• Financial difficulties: recently unemployed and actively seeking or ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
• Individual without young children preferably
• Domicile not in ARC District
• House not in NE CRA area
• Home not covered by USDA limits for financing

LASER is working with the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program to strengthen homes. According to a publication by the Division, reinforcing water barriers, roof-to-wall anchors, gables, window openings and doors can help mitigate the expense and speed of disaster recovery. While strengthening the home is not a reason to disregard an evacuation order, reducing the possibility of damage will increase the likelihood that the home will be ready to return after a storm.

This year, the Florida Legislature re-enacted the My Safe Florida Home Program. Once launched, the program will be able to provide free home inspections to Florida homeowners to help identify areas for improvement to mitigate hurricane damage. Eligible owners may be able to apply for a grant to implement these changes. Until the program launches, Floridians can take advantage of another hurricane preparedness incentive. From this month until June 2024, impact resistant doors and windows are exempt from sales tax.