Prep Your Home For A Natural Disaster
By Judy Feldman

(MONEY Magazine) – Homeowners in more than a dozen states who want to fortify their houses against a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or flood will soon be eligible for special loans. Under a new program run by Fannie Mae and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you can borrow up to $20,000 to strengthen your roof, add windproof shutters or do whatever else it takes to batten down the hatches. These loans, which are now available in California, Florida, Kansas and Oklahoma, will be introduced in at least 12 more states, including Louisiana and Mississippi, in coming months. Interest rates range from 9% to 12%, based on your credit. For information, call 800-732-6643 or go to www.fema.gov.

--JUDY FELDMAN