FEMA hosting Flood Insurance Workshops April 7-8

Many Squantumites have been interested in news on the changes to flood maps and implications for insurance coverage. The City of Quincy has posted several news items on the matter, which are included below. FEMA is also hosting two workshops for Quincy residents.

Flood insurance workshops for Quincy residents to learn more about these changes:

  • Monday April 7, 5-8 p.m., Quincy High School, 100 Coddington Street
  • Tuesday April 8, 5-8 p.m., Central Middle School, 875 Hancock Street

The following information has been posted on the City of Quincy website.

QuincyLinks reports that FEMA will host two Flood Insurance Workshops,
April 7-8

The following information is from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and was posted on the City of Quincy site on 3/28/14: 

The City of Quincy is receiving updated flood hazard maps as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s nationwide program to modernize Flood Insurance Rate Maps.  The City of Quincy’s maps, currently in preliminary form, are scheduled to become effective on June 8, 2014.

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.

Flood insurance workshops for Quincy residents to learn more about these changes: 

  • Monday April 7, 5-8 p.m., Quincy High School, 100 Coddington Street
  • Tuesday April 8, 5-8 p.m., Central Middle School, 875 Hancock Street

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 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 become familiar with the flood risks in their community and to see whether their flood zone has changed.  The maps can be viewed at each community’s municipal office.  Each community received both a paper copy and a digital copy of the new maps to share with their residents for review before they become finalized.

The meetings will allow residents to view the new maps, understand how their properties may be affected and learn more about financial steps that they may need to take to protect their investment.  Staff from FEMA and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will be on hand to provide one on one discussion and will be available to answer questions.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

City of Quincy news 3/7/14
Proposed Maps Now Online; Congress Takes Action; City Appeal Process Moving Forward

Visit City of Quincy website for information to helpful tools.

There have been several important developments this week relative to the federal government’s issuance of proposed new flood maps and associated premium increases.  Click here to access a PDF document with a breakdown of information and tips on using online tools.

Here are some highlights:

  • Proposed flood maps are now available here on the City’s website via its GIS mapping program here.
  • Congressman Lynch worked to secure passage of a bill that will dramatically reduce the potential impact of a previous law on homeowners in the flood zone. Please see the full update linked above for the details.
  • The City continues to work on its appeal of proposed maps. Check the maps, and if you’re property is newly included in the flood zone or designated in a higher risk than prior maps, please call the City Engineering Department at 617-376-1950 to be included as part of the City’s appeal.

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