New flood maps released in Southwest Florida

Published: Updated:
Truck drives along flooded roadway. (Credit: WINK News)
Truck drives along flooded roadway. (Credit: WINK News)

Flooding can strike in a moments notice, especially during hurricane season. On Tuesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is revealing the first new, preliminary flood maps for our area in more than a decade.

For you, this could mean you might need to buy more expensive insurance.

WINK News spoke with an engineering firm who helps create these flood maps, they told us being in a high risk flood zone can cost you four times as much.

But local emergency officials say that is nowhere near the cost of water damage in your house.

MAPS: FEMA Map Address Search | Flood Map Changes Viewer 

“I think it’s an important fact that if you see just 1 inch of water in your home, to me that’s $25,000 worth of damage,” said Alvin Henderson, Emergency Management Division Manager.

It’s all about protecting your property and and this event homeowners will be able to speak with FEMA, the Cape EOC, and insurance agents.

The Cape EOC says FEMA will be able to explain how the configure these zones. A big thing they are looking at is elevation, and if you live in a low area that could mean the difference between whether or not you’re required to have flood insurance.

LINK: For more on flooding go to FloodSmart.gov

“Their home may or may not be prone to flooding in FEMAS eyes and their neighbors is different from their rating and that has to deal with the elevation. A lot of the newer homes as their built have a three foot elevation foundation put in underneath them,” Henderson said.

There are 3 meetings where you can ask FEMA and local officials about maps and flood risk.

  • Tuesday, Sanibel Community House on 2173 Periwinkle Way from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sanibel, Fl. 33967
  • Tuesday, Cape Coral Yacht Club from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Florida Southwestern State College Building U, Lee Campus, 8099 College Pkwy Fort Myers, Fl. 33919, from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.

For more information from FEMA about the flood zones you can view their website here.

You can also obtain map panels by contacting the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-336-2627 (1-877-FEMA MAP)

MORE: What goes into making a FEMA flood map

 

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