Rogers, Wagoner County Flood Plain Risk Maps Revised

NewsOn6.com

UNDATED -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency is presenting its new flood risk maps for Rogers and Wagoner counties. Citizens and business owners have until September 29 to protest the findings.

FEMA representatives say the preliminary flood insurance rate maps will help county officials and local residents identify known flood risks and will be used for insurance and development decisions.

Preliminary maps revise and update information on flood hazards in every community in both counties, as well as unincorporated areas.

"Flooding is the most common disaster in the U.S., and I urge residents to look at the preliminary maps and be familiar with flood risks in their community," said Tony Russell, FEMA regional administrator.

"These maps can help residents make informed decisions about flood insurance and flood protection."

The preliminary maps are based on ground elevation models, decades of rainfall and storm gauge information and current topographic data, Russell said.

Residents, business owners and property owners who believe the flood maps contain errors have from July 1 until Sept. 29 to submit scientific or technical information to FEMA through their local flood plain manager.

Once all comments and protests are resolved, FEMA will notify communities, insurance companies and residents of the effective date of the final maps.

FEMA encourages residents to contact their local floodplain administrator to determine if they will be impacted by map changes. Floodplain administrators in each community have copies of the maps available for public viewing.

Map information is available at www.floodmaps.fema.gov.

Home and business owners who purchase flood insurance prior to the effective date of the new maps may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, thereby saving money on flood insurance.

Home and business owners should talk with their local insurance agent to discuss their options. More information on flood insurance is available at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart.