FEMA releases Wayne County flood maps, urges residents to review them
Updated flood maps in Wayne County are out for public review and appeal starting next week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday.
The maps help determine flood risks and flood insurance requirements and rates.
FEMA is urging residents to look at the maps, identify problems, ask questions, and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment process. It is the government's version of when a wedding officiant tells anyone at the ceremony who harbors concerns to "speak now or forever hold your peace."
The preliminary maps and changes from existing maps can be seen online at: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.
The new maps, FEMA said, were created in coordination with local and state officials. Some map reviews have already taken place, the agency added, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders should weigh in.
To appeal, FEMA suggests having technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support claims; and if you see wrong information that does not alter the flood hazard information, such as a missing or misspelled road name or an incorrect corporate boundary, submit the change as a written comment.
A live, online chat service about flood maps also is available at http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Or you can contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA pointed out that many homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding and that other good sources of information about flood insurance options likely include your insurance agent and what is posted at www.FloodSmart.gov.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Flood maps for Wayne County are out with 90 days for public appeals
