FEMA and the CCFD are hosting an open house for the public to learn about flood risks in their community

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in collaboration with Cape Coral Fire Department Emergency Management, is inviting the public to attend an open house at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, located at 5819 Driftwood Pkwy., on Tuesday, September 10 from 5 – 8 pm to view a draft of the new preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

FIRMs show potential extent and risks of flooding and will be used to determine flood insurance premiums and building requirements. They are based on updated modeling data and show coastal flood hazards more accurately than previous maps. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect changes due to construction and development, environmental changes, watershed conditions, and other factors.

At the open house, attendees can learn about their risk of flooding and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Specialists and subject matter experts will be on hand to meet one-on-one and discuss flood risk, flood insurance, appeals, mitigation options, as well as the engineering behind the flood insurance study.

There is no formal presentation. The public can stop by at any time between 5 pm and 8 pm. Home and business owners, renters, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, surveyors, and insurance agents are encouraged to attend.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners, business owners, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage; consequently, flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone with coastal property. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state-licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Call the National Flood Insurance Program Help Center at 800-427-4661 or visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information.