News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
William Powell, FEMA Region III
Femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov
(215) 931-5597
Public Invited to Appeal or Comment on Flood Maps in Schuylkill County
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania August 15, 2019
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania and is inviting community stakeholders to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period. The updated maps were produced in coordination with local community, state, and FEMA officials, and significant community review has already taken place. Before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around August 15, 2019. Residents and business owners are also encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements.
Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect. An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.
Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Change Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region III Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer: https://arcg.is/1W1G44.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent, visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov, or calling 1-800-427-4661.
September 10, 2017 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data
December 17, 2018 — Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released
September 17, 2018 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map, discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance
On or Around August 15, 2019 –Appeal Period starts
Fall 2020* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect
*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process
For more information about the flood maps:
• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon)
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent, visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov, or calling 1-800-427-4661.