April 30th, 2020 by WCBC Radio
New Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps became effective on April 3, 2020, for Allegany County, Maryland. Residents are encouraged to examine the maps online at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home, to determine if their property is in a low to moderate, or high-risk flood zone.
By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation. Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development that will make the community more resilient and lessen the impacts of a flooding event.
Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and most homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover the effects of flooding. All property owners are encouraged to purchase flood insurance because more than 25% of flood damages occur outside the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Contact your local floodplain manager, Amy Stonebreaker, via telephone, 301-876-9544, or email, astonebreaker@alleganygov.org, in order to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding.
FEMA Map Specialists are also available to answer questions about the maps.
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Call: 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627)
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Online Chat: http://go.usa.gov/r6C and click on the “Live Chat Open” icon.
Purchasing a flood insurance policy now may save you money. 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
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