PARSIPPANY — The Federal Emergency Management Agency in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will hold two Open Houses on Wednesday, November 8 in Parsippany and Wednesday, November 9 in Lincoln Park to inform county residents about their specific flood risks shown on FEMA’s newly released preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The Open Houses will provide residents with the opportunity to meet with experts one-on-one to learn more about their flood risk, get information on potential changes to flood insurance rates or requirements, and learn tips on how to mitigate and prepare for future floods.
Because of these map changes, some properties in Morris County may be included in a high-risk flood zone, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area, for the first time. This may result in those affected homeowners being required to purchase flood insurance.
It is vital that property owners understand their current flood risk, and take advantage of the tools and/or programs available to make their property and community safer and stronger against future flood risk.
The Open Houses will occur:
- Wednesday, November 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy Gymnasium, 500 W. Hanover Avenue, Parsippany.
- Thursday, November 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Lincoln Park PAL/Community Center (next to Lincoln Park Library), 10 Boonton Turnpike, Lincoln Park.
There will be no formal presentations. Residents who plan to attend may come any time during the scheduled hours. Municipal officials also are encouraged to attend to provide a local perspective on the information presented to their residents.
To get the most out of the Open Houses, residents and property owners should bring a copy of their elevation certificates and flood insurance policies, if available.
On Feb. 26, 2016, FEMA released preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to communities in Morris County for public comment. Since that time, the maps have gone through a period of review. The Open Houses are the first step in the map adoption process which should last 12-18 months.
The maps provide updated information each community’s flood risk, inform residents about potential insurance rates and purchase requirements, and help property owners make decisions about how to protect themselves and their properties against future flood events.
The FIRM and the associated Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report are the basis for each community’s floodplain management measures.
To view the Morris County Preliminary FIRM click here.
Additional information on mapping is available on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center by clicking here and flood insurance information can be found by clicking here.
The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation also has information on the FEMA FIRM and other flood related topics by clicking here.
