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New FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps Effective June 2010
Flood hazard maps, also known as Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs), indicate whether properties are in areas of high, moderate, or low flood risk. In reviewing the new maps, many property owners may find that their risk is higher or lower than they thought. If the risk level for a property changes, so may the requirement to carry flood insurance.
Those who have a federally backed mortgage, or plan to refinance with a federally backed lender, will be required to purchase flood insurance if they find that their home is newly shown in a high-risk flood area known as a Special Flood Hazard Area on the updated maps. Purchasing flood insurance before the flood maps become effective will lock in the lower-risk zone and could lead to significant savings. Residents are urged to contact their insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov to learn more about how and where to get a policy.
Residents should look at the new preliminary flood maps to both become familiar with the flood risks in their community and to see whether their flood zone has changed. The maps for Arlington can be viewed at the Planning Office at Town Hall, 730 Massachusetts Avenue or online at the links below.
For more information contact your insurance agent. You can also contact:
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What Should I Do First?
Check the maps.
Find out where your parcel(s) is in relation to the designated flood zones. The areas of interest are;
Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA): These areas are defined on the maps as Zone A, AE, AH, AO, AR, Zone A99, Zone V, and VE. These are high-risk areas and insurance is mandatory in most cases.
Zone X Other Flood Areas: These areas are defined on the map as X. If your parcel is in this zone, flood insurance is optional. However, FEMA recommends coverage as flood risk is reduced, but not removed.
Fox Library
Robbins Memorial Library
Dept. of Planning and Community Development in Town Hall Annex
Town Engineer's Office, 51 Grove Steet
FEMA explains more about these designations here.
What do I do if my property is in a SFHA?
If you have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender and your parcel is in a SFHA, your lender, by federal law, must require you to carry flood insurance when these flood maps become effective. FEMA has announced an effective date of June 4, 2010. Contact your insurance agent to discuss options and ask your agent about “grandfathering” options offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Grandfathered insurance options must be purchased before June 4, 2010.
What if I rent?
If you do not own a mortgage, but live in a SFHA you are not required to purchase flood insurance. However, FEMA still recommends that you purchase personal property coverage.
Does flood insurance cover my personal belongings?
Not automatically. Most flood insurance covers structural and clean up. Talk to your insurance agent about content, or personal property coverage.
What to do if my property is in Zone X?
Parcels in this zone do not require flood insurance, however, FEMA recommends it. Talk to your insurance agent about options offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP offers lower cost options for parcels in low-to moderate-risk areas and some property owners may be eligible for ‘grandfathering’ rates.
What are my options if my property is prone to flooding, but is not in a designated flood zone?
You may be eligible for a Preferred Risk Policy through the NFIP. Talk to your insurance agent for your eligibility.
When do the maps become effective? - (updated December 2008)
FEMA estimates the maps to become effective in June 4, 2010. If you purchase flood insurance before the effective date, you may benefit from the lower-cost “grandfathering” insurance option(s). Please note that in order for your insurance to be active by the effective date of the new maps, the insurance should be purchased at least 30-days in advance of the effective date. Grandfathered insurance options must be purchased before June 4, 2010. Talk to your insurance agent for details.
Where can I get more information?
You can learn more about flood insurance at floodsmart.gov, FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program website.
In addition to the Town Engineer, The Town of Arlington urges any residents who think they may be affected by the proposed revised flood maps to contact:
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