By Staff
CHICAGO – Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be hosting a flood risk information open house on Monday, Dec. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cass District Library, 319 M-62 North, Cassopolis.
The open house will provide Cass County residents with an opportunity to review a recently completed preliminary flood insurance study (FIS) and its accompanying preliminary flood insurance rate maps (FIRMS).
The FIS and FIRMS provide base flood information, delineate areas subject to significant flood hazards within the county and offers information public officials may use when permitting development in the flood plain.
The open house will be staffed with representatives from various local, state and federal agencies who will provide the most current information about flood risk, flood insurance, flood plain development regulations and the process for flood plain mapping within Cass County.
The newly-prepared flood plain maps will be displayed.
Once the maps become effective, these maps will be used by flood plain permit officials, builders and developers, lenders, Realtors, insurance agents and the general public to determine flood risk, develop mitigation measures and encourage wise and responsible risk management decision-making.
Property owners, Realtors, lenders and insurance agents are urged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community. Contact Maxine Kinikin at (312) 408-5220 for more information.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.
FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders.
FEMA became part of the U.S Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.