New FEMA flood insurance rate maps effective soon

Property owners encouraged to view maps, know risk

Towns throughout Fairfield County, including Darien, are receiving updated flood hazard maps as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) nationwide Map Modernization Program. The Fairfield County maps, currently in draft form, are scheduled to become effective on June 18, 2010.

There will be public informational meetings in Darien on April 7. Locations and times are given below. The meetings will allow residents to view the new maps, understand how their properties may be affected and learn more about financial steps that they may need to take to protect their investment. Staff from FEMA and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection will be available to answer questions and provide a short presentation.

Flood hazard maps, also known as Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs), indicate whether properties are in areas of high, moderate or low flood risk. In reviewing the new Fairfield County maps, many property owners may find that their risk is higher or lower than they thought. If the risk level for a property changes, so may the requirement to carry flood insurance.

Those who have a federally backed mortgage, or plan to refinance with a federally backed lender, will be required to purchase flood insurance if they find that their home is newly shown in a high-risk flood area known as a Special Flood Hazard Area on the updated maps. Purchasing flood insurance before the flood maps become effective will lock in the lower-risk zone and could lead to significant savings. Residents are urged to contact their insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov to learn more about how and where to get a policy.

Residents should look at the new preliminary flood maps to both become familiar with the flood risks in their community and to see whether their flood zone has changed. The maps can be viewed at the Planning and Zoning Office in Room 211 of Town Hall and at the April 7th meetings.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

3:00-4:00pm and 7:00-8:00pm – Presentation with question period following