Revised Preliminary Flood Maps for Caldwell County, TX are Ready for Public View

DENTON, Texas, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

The revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in the City of Martindale; and the unincorporated areas of Caldwell County, TX. Officials encourage property owners to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.

For this Physical Map Revision, the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Caldwell 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. "Along with our state and local partners we've worked hard to bring this critical information to Caldwell County. We hope everyone will review the maps to understand their individual flood risks," said FEMA Region 6 Administrator, Tony Robinson. "Flood water does not stop at a line on a map, so I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance because more than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area."

Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and is available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at [email protected].

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

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

* The 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 (click on the "Live Chat" icon)

* Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at [email protected].

Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options 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.