Preliminary flood maps show areas subject to significant flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. After extensive review, the approved maps will be used by floodplain permit officials, builders and developers, lenders, insurance and real estate agents and others who want to determine flood risk. Homeowners shown to be in flood-prone areas will be required to buy insurance if they hold federally-backed mortgages. Anyone wishing to comment, protest or appeal -- the three forms of challenges that FEMA accepts -- can do so after the preliminary maps become public.
For further information, including estimating insurance premiums, see www.floodsmart.com
