Thursday, 13 May 2010 05:56

New Maps Will Increase Flood Insurance Rates

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slide5-new_maps_will_icnrease_flood_insurance_rates.pngAmador County - On Thursday, May 20, new flood plain rate maps will go in to effect for residents of Amador County. That means there are only a few days left for homeowners and businesses affected by the new maps to purchase flood insurance at the best possible rates. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been at work for several years updating and digitalizing new maps in California. FEMA’s Map Modernization initiative has produced new tools to help protect lives and properties, and assist local officials to manage floodplain development. “Though it’s true that property owners with federally-backed mortgages who live in a flood hazard area are required to buy flood insurance, in this case Amador County homeowners and business owners who take out a policy before May 20 can take advantage of lower rates,” said Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA.). “The savings could amount to hundreds of dollars for those who ‘grandfather in’ at the lower rates.” FEMA officials say policies purchased after May 20 could be subject to a higher rate if it is determined the insured property is in a high-risk flood zone. To learn more about the new digital maps and flood risks, contact your city or county planning department. The FEMA Web site www.floodsmart.gov. gives information about the impact of flooding and how to locate an agent who offers flood insurance. You can also access and learn to read flood plain maps – including the one for Amador County – while visiting the site. For more on FEMA visit www.fema.gov. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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