ATLANTA– Newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for coastal areas of Flagler County, FL will be available for residents to review at a public open house at the Hammock Community Center on May 5, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when updated maps become effective they are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open house provides residents of Flagler County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more. Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house.

The open house will be held between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The open house date and location is:

May 5

Hammock Community Center

79 Mala Compra Rd.

Palm Coast, FL 32137

The new preliminary maps were developed through a partnership among Flagler County, its municipalities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They are based on updated available modeling and data and show improved flood hazard risk better than older maps. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners, business owners, and renters insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 888-379-9531 for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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