DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in the cities of Elm Springs, Elkins, Farmington, Fayetteville, Greenland, Johnson, Springdale, West Fork, Tontitown, Winslow, Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Goshen; and unincorporated areas of Washington County, Arkansas. Officials encourage property owners to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.
For this physical map revision, the FIRMs for Washington County 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.
FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of the most vulnerable areas.
“Flooding is not restricted to coastal communities; where it can rain, it can flood,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “More than 25 percent of flood damage occurs outside the Special Flood Hazard Area, yet most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. Obtaining flood insurance is one of the smartest ways for individuals or businesses to protect themselves.”
To review the preliminary flood maps, visit your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA. Specialists are 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:
The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv
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 (just 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 homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. 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.