Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Bexar County, Texas

DENTON, Texas, Feb. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

New preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in Bexar County. Officials encourage property owners 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 appeal and comment periods for the maps.

The new flood hazard information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been generated in coordination with local community, state, and FEMA officials. Significant community review has already taken place.

Appeals/Comments may be submitted from Feb. 15 through May 16, 2019:

* Cities of San Antonio and Terrell Hills

* Cities of Alamo Heights, Balcones Heights, Kirby, Olmos Park, and Windcrest; and the Unincorporated Areas of Bexar County (Comments Only)

Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect. An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.

If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information--such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary--they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Review the preliminary maps, as well as submit appeals and comments, by visiting your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and is available by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

The preliminary maps may also be viewed online at the following locations:

* The Flood Map Change Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv

* FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal

For more information about the flood maps:

* Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the "Live Chat" icon)

* Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood. Cost saving options are available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent, visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov, or calling 1-800-427-4661.

FEMA's mission: Helping people before, during and after disasters. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.