Preliminary Flood Maps in Greater New Orleans Area Ready for Public View

PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS IN THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS AREA READY FOR PUBLIC VIEW

Knowing flood risks allows for more informed decisions

DENTON, Texas –Homeowners, renters and business owners in Greater New Orleans area are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Local officials from Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles and Jefferson parishes, the state of Louisiana and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities impacted by the new Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the parishes, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said R6 Regional Administrator Tony Robinson. “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

To view the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) or follow the links below:

• Orleans, St. Bernard, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Charles

• To learn more about the project visit http://go.usa.gov/gzU5.
• To use a live chat service, visit 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 FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  The NFIP is currently undergoing a thorough modernization.  Meanwhile, contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather 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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