Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps To Debut At Open House In Orleans Parish
Release Date: June 12, 2009
Release Number: 1603-855
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The public is invited to view newly revised Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) for Orleans Parish at an open house scheduled on June 17, 2009. The open house will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters Botanical Gardens at City Park, Victory Drive, New Orleans, LA.
Specialists will be on hand at the open house to answer citizens' questions and to provide additional information. Citizens are encouraged to view the maps, which will be available in both digital and paper formats.
The preliminary flood maps were developed as part of the nationwide map modernization effort spearheaded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the National Flood Insurance Program. The new maps are in a digital format, providing greater detail and making it easier for citizens to view the information.
The flood maps will help residents and business owners understand their current flood risk and make more informed decisions about protecting their property. In addition, community planners, local officials, engineers, builders and others will have the tools to make important determinations about how to maximize safety for new structures and developments.
While adoption is voluntary, it is a requirement for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Final maps will not become effective until adopted by the parish and/or city council. Orleans Parish is not required to adopt the preliminary DFIRMS at this time. Once the federal levees are completed, new maps will be issued for the parish's review and adoption.
Residents should consult their local floodplain administrator with questions on what flood map or elevations to use during the rebuilding process. Extensive information about the Louisiana Mapping Project (LaMP) and the map adoption process is available online at www.lamappingproject.com. Assistance is also available through the LaMP Call Center, 1-866-751-3989 open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The LaMP Call Center is available for general information on map status, schedules for public meetings, contact information for local officials relative to specific properties, and assistance from FEMA hazard mitigation staff, including HFIP specialists, engineers, and floodplain management specialists.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Jun-2009 10:00:29