DENTON, Texas ––New flood maps for Socorro County will become effective in May and be used for rating flood insurance policies. Local, state and federal officials encourage residents to view the maps before May 2, 2016, in order to understand their flood risk and then consider buying flood insurance. New flood risk maps have been created for the city of Socorro, unincorporated areas of Socorro County, and communities in the Navajo Nation and Pueblo of Acoma within the boundaries of Socorro County.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. People without flood insurance, whether through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program, risk uninsured losses to their homes, personal property and businesses. The NFIP is a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Flooding is the most frequent natural disaster in the U.S. and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “We all need to prepare for the hazards and risks in our communities. The first step in taking the appropriate actions to prepare for flooding is to know your risk,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson.

Contact the local floodplain administrator to learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps. FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer your questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat. 

• To view a Preliminary Interactive Flood Map: http://maps.riskmap6.com/NM/Socorro/

• To use the live chat service, visit http://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.

• NFIP Helpline – 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), press “2” for Flood Insurance questions.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. The purchase of insurance should be considered for those newly mapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area before the maps become effective. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.

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