Digital Preliminary Flood Hazard Maps for Indian River and Martin Counties Ready for Public Viewing

ATLANTA, Georgia, March 7 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

Residents and property owners in Indian River and Martin counties can see draft preliminary flood insurance rate maps for coastal areas at two public open houses on March 21-22, 2018.

Flood hazard maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding. When updated maps become effective, they help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

Learn about your risk of flooding and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for your property. You can meet one-on-one with specialists to discuss flood risk, flood insurance, engineering and more. Home and business owners, renters, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend.

The open houses dates, times and locations are:

Wednesday, March 21, 4-7 p.m.

Indian River

Sebastian River High School Cafeteria

9001 Shark Blvd.

Sebastian, FL 32958

Thursday, March 22, 4-7 p.m.

Martin

Indian River State College, Chastain Campus

Wolf High-Technology Center

2400 S.E. Salerno Rd.

Stuart, FL 34997

The new preliminary coastal map panels were developed through a partnership between the communities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They are based on updated modeling data and show coastal flood hazards more accurately than older maps. The goal is to inform property owners and the community of their flood risks. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, watershed conditions and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners, business owners, and renters' insurance policies typically don't cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state-licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Call the National Flood Insurance Program Help Center at 800-427-4661 for more information.

If you need any reasonable accommodations at these open houses, please contact Henrietta Williams at 770-220-5311 to make arrangements not later than three days prior to the open house.