FEMA: Preliminary Flood Maps for Bexar County, Texas, Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas, July 1 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in portions of the Cities of China Grove, Elmendorf, San Antonio and St. Hedwig; and unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Texas.

Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps.

The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) is collaborating with FEMA to schedule open house meetings to help the public learn more about the FIRMs and local flood risk to assist during this public comment period. Information about the open house meetings will be available at www.sariverauthority.org/whats-new/events.

For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Bexar County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and setting rates for flood insurance. SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development and flood insurance.

FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas. Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs.