New Flood Maps Become Final in Willacy County, Texas

DENTON, Texas, Nov. 16 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

New flood maps become effective in Willacy County on April 5, 2017. The maps include the cities of Lyford, Raymondville and San Perlita, and unincorporated areas of Willacy County. Residents are encouraged to examine them so they can determine their need to buy flood insurance. By knowing their risks, individuals and community leaders can make informed decisions about building and development.

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. Anyone without flood insurance runs the risk of uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy, or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Residents with federal mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in flood hazard areas. Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events.

Your local floodplain administrator can tell you if your community participates in the NFIP. He or she can also help you review the new flood maps. "We have to know what our risks are in order to prepare for them," said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. "Floods can happen anywhere."

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat.

* To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the "Live Chat" icon.

* To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to [email protected].

* To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map: http://maps.riskmap6.com/TX/Willacy/

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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