DENTON, TX –– New flood maps become effective on August 15, 2019, for Galveston County. Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low to moderate, or high-risk flood zone. By understanding flood risks, individuals can determine their flood insurance needs.
Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development.
“Keep in mind,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson, “flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover the effects of flooding. I encourage everyone to purchase flood insurance because more than 25 percent of flood damages occur outside the Special Flood Hazard Area.”
Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property or business. Flood insurance is available either through a private policy, or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP. Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if the structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Contact your local floodplain administrator to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding. FEMA map specialists are available to answer questions about the maps as well. Contact them by phone or online chat.
Purchasing a flood insurance policy now may save you money. 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, visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov, or calling 1-800-427-4661.
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