AURORA, Ill. – Illinois households currently receiving rental assistance through FEMA for the severe storms and flooding from April 16 to May 5 must provide the necessary paperwork to recertify for continued rental help in order to ensure no interruption of benefits.

FEMA may pay up to 18 months of rental assistance to both homeowners and renters if they need to relocate while repairs are being made to their disaster-damaged residence. The rental assistance is paid in two-month increments and can include the payment of a security deposit. The security deposit may include a pet deposit fee, but the amount of the security deposit plus the pet deposit fee cannot exceed one month’s rent.

An application for continued temporary housing will be sent to applicants who have received initial rental assistance approximately two weeks after the first rental award. It reaffirms that applicants have an ongoing need for temporary housing, either because disaster-related repairs are not completed or they have been unable to find permanent replacement housing.

Applicants who continue to need rental assistance must express an interest either verbally through the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or in writing within 90 days after receipt of the application. The entire process must be completed within 120 days to be eligible. A new 90- and 120-day limit will begin with each rental recertification, and a new application needs to be filled out each cycle.

Documents required for recertification include:

  • The completed application
  • A copy of the current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant
  • Rental receipts, canceled checks or money orders showing proper usage of previous rental assistance
  • Current income statements from family members living in the rental

The form must be completed in full and turned in on time for each rental cycle to apply for continued assistance.

FEMA will evaluate the information each cycle to determine if the applicant qualifies for ongoing federal rental assistance, based on financial need. An applicant’s current monthly rent is compared to the person’s housing costs before the disaster. Income for all household members, ongoing homeowner mortgage, insurance and utility costs for the damaged home, and other housing commitment costs are all taken into consideration when determining continued eligibility. An applicant who misses one cycle of recertification will not be eligible for continued rental assistance.

It is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

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.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and ww.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

 

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Recertify to be Eligible for Continued Rental Help

AURORA, Ill. – Illinois residents who had damage from the severe storms and flooding between April 16 and May 5 have only 30 days left to register for FEMA disaster assistance.

Federal disaster assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

FEMA provides several ways for residents of the 33 counties included in the major disaster declaration to register by the deadline of Tuesday, July 9.

Currently, Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are going door-to-door in hard-hit areas and also visiting senior centers, churches and other community gathering places. The crews are meeting with local officials and community leaders to provide additional support for determining where unmet needs exist.

The goal is to identify anyone who needs help – homeowners, renters, business owners, eligible nonprofit agencies and faith-based organizations. This includes people with disabilities, those with access and functional needs, seniors and people with limited English proficiency.

It is important to remember that FEMA staff members who assist residents with registration are federal employees. They have received federal security clearances and carry photo identification badges. Always ask to see an ID before giving personal information to anyone.

Another way to register for federal disaster assistance is to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) operated by the state of Illinois and FEMA. The eight DRCs currently open are in Chicago and in Cook, DuPage, Peoria, Rock Island and Woodford counties; however, three are closing later this week. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
 

Chicago

North Park Village

5801 N. Pulaski, Bldg. C

Chicago, IL 60646

 

Chicago

Royal Savings Bank

9226 S. Commercial Ave.

Chicago, IL 60617

 

Cook County

Forest View Fire Department

7010 W. 46th St.

Forest View, IL 60402

 

Cook County

1486 Miner St. (Next to Des Plaines Theater)

Des Plaines, IL 60016

 

DuPage County

Lisle Police Department

5040 Lincoln Ave.

Lisle, IL 60532

 

Peoria County (Closing June 14)

Chillicothe Fire Department (Fire Hall)

217 W. Chestnut St.

Chillicothe, IL 61523

 

Rock Island County (Closing June 12)

Rock Island County Emergency Management Agency

6120 78th Ave.

Milan, IL 61264

 

Woodford County (Closing June 14)

Woodford County Emergency Management Agency

301 S. Main St.

Roanoke, IL 61561

However, it is not necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to register with FEMA. Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information, visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116

Multilingual phone operators are available on the FEMA helpline. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages.

Have the following information handy to speed the process:

  • Social Security number;
  • Telephone number where you can be reached;
  • Address of the damaged property;
  • Current mailing address;
  • Brief description of disaster-related damages and losses;
  • Insurance information; and
  • Direct deposit information to speed delivery of funds.

The 33 Illinois counties designated for FEMA Individual Assistance include:  Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Clark, Cook, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Pike, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago and Woodford.

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.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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One Month Left for Illinois Residents to Register With FEMA

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Galveston and Matagorda, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks.

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these coastal communities better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public are currently being scheduled.  The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress.  The open houses will help to educate the public about the current flood risk in the area. Public meetings will be posted on www.txchart.com.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the Galveston and Matagorda counties, the effort also includes Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Kleberg, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Willacy.

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.

Media note:  If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 11.a.m. (CST) on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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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.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

See more here:  

Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Galveston and…

WARWICK, R.I. – Saturday is the last day of operation for the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Center in South Kingstown. The Recovery Centers in Westerly and Middletown  remain open, but with new operating hours.

The new schedule, starting Saturday, December 1, is as follows:

  • Union Fire Station (Community Room), 131 Asa Pond Road, South Kingstown, R.I.
    Saturday, 8 A.M.-4 P.M. Permanently closed after Saturday.

  • Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly, R.I.
    Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

  • Middletown Police Station (Community Room), 123 Valley Road, Middletown, R.I.
    Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are at the Disaster Recovery Centers to answer questions, check application status, provide information about rebuilding to lower the risk of damage from future floods, and offer referrals to other programs.

Also at the Recovery Centers are representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist both individuals and businesses with applications for low interest disaster recovery loans.

If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. To register, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or to m.fema.gov if using a smartphone or call 800-621-FEMA (3362), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech disability may use TTY 800-462-7585.

To register you will need:

  • Current and pre-disaster address

  • Current phone number

  • Social Security number

  • Insurance information, if insured

  • Total household income

  • Description of losses caused by Hurricane Sandy

  • Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit of assistance funds)

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Link – 

Schedule Changes for Disaster Recovery Centers

WARWICK, RI – The Disaster Recovery Center in Westerly relocates Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, to the Misquamicut Fire Station from its current location at St. Clare Church. The Westerly Center will continue to serve disaster survivors in the area until further notice as will the Centers in South Kingstown and Middletown. Locations for the current DRCs are:

Washington County

  • Misquamicut Fire Station, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly, RI. (Opens Saturday)
  • Union Fire Station (Community Room), 131 Asa Pond Road, South Kingstown, RI.

Newport County

  • Middletown Police Station (Community Room), 123 Valley Road, Middletown, RI.

Hours of operation for all DRCs are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All three DRCs will be closed Nov. 22, 2012, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Anyone who is registering should have the following information ready and available:

  • Current and pre-disaster address
  • Current Phone Number
  • Social Security Number (FEMA does verify name and Social Security number)
  • Insurance information (agency name, policy number, actual policy if possible)
  • Total household income
  • Description of losses caused by Hurricane Sandy
  • Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit of assistance funds)

Survivors may register with FEMA in three ways:

 

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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

SBA disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed on-line at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

 

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Westerly Disaster Recovery Center Relocates to Fire Station

DENTON, Texas — Lawrence County, incorporated communities, Arkansas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect. The new Lawrence County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, Dec. 18, giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data. Those who purchase flood insurance prior to Dec. 18 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator to determine what their risk is. The floodplain administrator is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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. 

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at blog.fema.gov.

Source: 

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Lawrence County, Arkansas

BATON ROUGE, La. – Hurricane Isaac survivors repairing their homes with an eye toward avoiding damage from future storms can take several steps now to rebuild stronger and safer.

Property owners who wish to speed up the rebuilding process do not have to wait for a complete Substantial Damage Inspection, say mitigation experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Property owners can provide the local permitting official with a copy of an estimate from a licensed contractor to repair the structure, and a copy of a pre-disaster market value appraisal. With these documents, they can apply for a permit to make needed repairs.

“Storm survivors are anxious to get on with repairs, and we encourage them to do so,” said Patricia McArthur, Hazard Mitigation Branch Director for FEMA’s Hurricane Isaac mission in Louisiana. “The rebuilding phase of any disaster is an ideal time to plan ways to prevent or limit future damage.”    
     
One source of funds for eligible homeowners who have flood insurance and whose homes were determined to be substantially damaged may be Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. ICC provides up to $30,000 of insurance coverage for the increased cost of compliance with their community’s floodplain management ordinance.

FEMA assistance for individuals may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make a home habitable. Survivors could also be eligible for grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA may also assist survivors whose insurance settlements have been delayed longer than 30 days from the time they filed their claims. Any help awarded by FEMA is considered an advance and must be repaid once an insurance settlement is received. The current maximum is $31,400.

To apply for an advance, people with delayed settlements should write a letter to FEMA explaining the situation. Homeowners should include documentation from their insurance companies proving their claim was filed. If they filed by telephone, they should include their claim number, the date they applied, and estimated time before they expect to receive the settlement.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.
 

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Survivors Can Take Steps Now to Rebuild

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Palo Pinto County, Texas 

Release Date: June 5, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-106

DENTON, Texas – Palo Pinto County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Palo Pinto County flood maps become effective on Thursday, Aug. 2 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to Aug. 2 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at blog.fema.gov.

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.

encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2012 14:02:31

View article: 

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Palo Pinto County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Kaufman County, Texas 

Release Date: June 4, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-103

DENTON, Texas – Kaufman County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Kaufman County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, July 3 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to July 3 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at blog.fema.gov.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2012 13:02:29

Original link:

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Kaufman County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Zapata County, Texas 

Release Date: June 5, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-102

DENTON, Texas – Zapata County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Zapata County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, July 17 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to July 17 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at blog.fema.gov.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2012 13:01:47

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Zapata County, Texas

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