REALITY: A number of states have implemented a variety of proactive programs to address their unique natural catastrophe exposures and assist their citizens. In Congress, proactive bills are pending that direct federal assistance to consumers in the coastal regions.

• Consumer Matching Grant Mitigation Programs

Florida and South Carolina created programs last year to provide financial grants to homeowners to help retrofit their properties to make them less vulnerable to hurricane damage. 

Both states required the grants to be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis for a total of $10,000 for the mitigation project, but in South Carolina low income homeowners are eligible for grant up to $5,000 with no matching amount required.