New FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective soon for Norfolk County

Targeted News Service

BOSTON, March 20 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security'sFederal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

Communities throughout Norfolk County, Mass., are receiving updated flood hazard maps as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's nationwide program to modernize Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The Norfolk County maps, currently in preliminary form, are scheduled to become effective on June 17, 2012.

Flood hazard maps, also known as Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps, indicate whether properties are in areas of high, moderate or low flood risk. In reviewing the new Norfolk County maps, many property owners may find that their risk is higher or lower than they thought. If the risk level for a property changes, so may the requirement to carry flood insurance.

There will be a Community Outreach Meeting open house for Norfolk County residents to learn more about these changes:

* March 22 at Broad Meadows Middle School, 50 Calvin Road, Quincy, Mass. from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Those who have a federally backed mortgage, or plan to refinance with a federally backed lender, will be required to purchase flood insurance if they find that their home is shown in a high-risk flood area known as a Special Flood Hazard Area on the updated maps. Purchasing flood insurance before the flood maps become effective will lock in the lower-risk zone and could lead to significant savings. Residents are urged to contact their insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov to learn more about how and where to get a policy.

Residents should look at the new preliminary flood maps to become familiar with the flood risks in their community and to see whether their flood zone has changed. The maps can be viewed at each community's municipal office. Each community received both a paper copy and a digital copy of the new maps to share with their residents for review before they become finalized.

The meeting will allow residents to view the new maps, understand how their properties may be affected and learn more about financial steps that they may need to take to protect their investment. Staff from FEMA and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will provide a short presentation and will be available to answer questions.

Communities affected are:

* Avon * Bellingham * Braintree * Brookline * Canton * Cohasset * Dedham * Dover * Foxborough * Franklin * Holbrook * Medfield * Medway * Millis * Milton * Needham * Norfolk * Norwood * Plainville * Quincy * Randolph * Sharon * Stoughton * Walpole * Wellesley * Westwood * Weymouth * and Wrentham.