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Flood Maps are Changing.......... What You Should Know About the New Maps and Your Flood Insurance |
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has recently completed a study which re-examined Worcester County flood zones and has developed preliminary revised detailed, digital flood hazard maps for the Town of Grafton. The proposed new maps -- also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) -- reflect current flood risks, replacing maps that are over 25 years old. The reason these maps are produced is to provide home owners, mortgage companies, insurance companies and agents and other interested parties information specific to flood risk in areas adjacent to or impacted by local rivers which are subject to flooding. Maps can be viewed on-line (see below).
How Will These Changes Affect You? |
Parcels in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
If you have a mortgage from a federally-regulated lender and the building(s) on this parcel are within the SFHA, then by federal law, your lender must require you to carry flood insurance when these flood maps become effective. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federally underwritten program provided by nearly 100 insurance companies and written through licensed insurance agents. Contact your insurance agent to learn about lower-cost “grandfathering”
options offered by the NFIP for properties being mapped into higher-risk areas for the first time. If you do not have a mortgage, FEMA still recommends that you purchase flood insurance, but you are not obliged to do so. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not provide coverage for damage due to flooding. For more information on flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program’s website, www.floodsmart.gov .
Parcels in Zone X
While flood insurance in these areas is optional, maintaining coverage is recommended by FEMA as the flood risk has only been reduced, not removed. Lower cost flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available in low- to moderate-risk areas. Contact your insurance agent to learn more about your insurance needs.
Residents are encouraged to view the maps. If you disagree with the designation for your property and have information you believe may persuade FEMA to change the designation or the boundary of the flood zone, you may appeal to FEMA. Appeals must be filed within 90 days of the first announcment in the local newspapers (July 1, 2009 - first publication date in the Grafton News).
The Town strongly urges residents who think they may be affected by the new flood maps to review the maps and to comment. Questions and comments should be directed to: |
Richard Zingarelli Acting State Hazard Mitigation Officer /NFIP Coordinator DCR /Floodplain Management (617) 626-1406
Christopher Markesich Flood Hazard Mapping Coordinator DCR /Floodplain Management (617) 626-1446) |
