Brevard County Residents Invited to See Preliminary Flood Maps

Space Coast Room, 2nd Floor, Building C

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way

Viera, FL 32940

Tuesday, February 7, 4-8 p.m.

Palm Bay City Hall

City Council Chambers

120 Malabar RoadPalm Bay, FL 32907

Wednesday, February 8, 4-8 p.m.

Titusville Fire Headquarters

Multi-Purpose Room, 2nd Floor

550 South Washington Avenue

Titusville, FL 32796

The new maps were produced through a partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Brevard County. They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data and the latest science available have been applied to make the maps more accurate, with the ultimate goal of protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Additionally, flood risks change over time due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other factors.

Flood maps are being updated for communities across the country. This is a collaborative process, during which FEMA works closely with local communities to incorporate the latest and most accurate information into the maps so that they better reflect the risk that communities face.

Property owners-both homeowners and business owners-renters, realtors, mortgage lenders and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open houses and take advantage of this opportunity to meet with specialists, ask questions and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities. Residents may also visit their local planning and zoning office to view the preliminary maps.

Brevard County's preliminary maps have not yet been officially adopted and will become effective after a public comment period. This period allows property owners to submit comments and appeals if they can show that any part of the maps is in error. Specialists will be available at the open houses to address questions that residents may have about this process. Once all comments are received and addressed, Brevard County may adopt the maps.

Flooding is the most common and the most expensive type of natural disaster in the U.S. Most homeowner's policies do not cover flooding, and a separate flood insurance policy may be purchased to protect residents against the financial devastation that flooding can cause.

Congress mandates that federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Some lenders may also implement their own insurance requirements on properties not in a high-risk area as a condition of the loan.

Even if flood insurance is not required on a property, it is still an important consideration because anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. If the preliminary maps show a property has moved from a high-risk to a lower-risk flood zone, property owners should talk with an insurance agent about keeping their flood insurance policy in force. Visit www.Floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.