DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in all communities and unincorporated areas of El Paso County. Officials encourage property owners to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.
This is El Paso County’s first set of digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). FIRMs serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and setting rates for flood insurance. SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding. Communities and residents can use the information to make informed decisions about building, development, and flood insurance.
“These maps are the result of collaboration with our state and local partners. This information is critical for El Paso County and I hope everyone will review the maps to better understand their individual flood risks,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator, Tony Robinson. “I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance, because flood water does not stop at a line on a map. More than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area.”
Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and is available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
The preliminary maps may also be viewed online at the following location:
• The FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov/portal
For more information about the flood maps:
• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (click on the “Live Chat” icon)
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover floods. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
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