Property owners are encouraged to check the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. (WXOW) – Crawford County residents can now review preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Property owners are encouraged to check the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify concerns or questions about the information and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.
The 90-day appeal period will begin on June 4. The preliminary maps and changes from current maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify concerns or questions about the information and submit appeals or comments. Property owners should contact their local floodplain administrator to do so.
Appeals 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.
For more information about the flood maps, residents can use a live chat service at go.usa.gov/r6C during operating hours. They can also contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone toll-free at 1-877-FEMA-MAP or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
Most homeowner’s, renter’s and business insurance policies do not cover flood damage to a building and its contents. More than 40% of National Flood Insurance Program claims are from outside high-risk flood zones.
Residents can learn more about flood insurance options by talking with their insurance agent and visiting www.FloodSmart.gov.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.