FEMA Releases Preliminary Flood Hazard Information for Modoc County

Latest study reveals increased flood risk along the Pit River

OAKLAND, Calif. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with the city of Alturas and Modoc County, Calif., to update flood hazard risk information.  FEMA released preliminary flood maps that will help community officials, individuals and business owners identify known flood risks.  When finalized, the maps will be used for flood insurance, land use, and development decisions.  The revised maps are digital, incorporating the latest technology to identity flood risk based on detailed engineering models, decades of rainfall, storm gauge information, and current topographic data.

The preliminary flood maps propose changes to areas for structures near the Pit River, North Fork Pit River and South Fork Pit River.  Currently, there are approximately 210 structures located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high risk flood zone.  The preliminary flood maps propose approximately 145 structures may be added to the SFHA, from moderate to high flood risk and 15 structures may be removed from the SFHA, from high to moderate flood risk.  The last map update was June 4, 2010.

Individuals and business owners who believe the proposed flood maps contain errors will be able to submit appeals by submitting additional scientific or technical information through their community officials to FEMA. Once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will make any necessary updates and notify community officials.  Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing.

To view preliminary maps online visit: http://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload.

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States.  Homeowners, renters and business owners are encouraged to look at the preliminary flood maps to become familiar with flood risks in their community.  These flood maps can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about flood insurance options and flood protection measures.  For more information about flood insurance and to find a local agent, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

For questions about flood maps, visit http://msc.fema.gov, call 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

#

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build,  sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.