Pike County property owners are being encouraged to review newly released preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that outline updated local flood risks. A 90-day appeal and comment period is expected to begin around December 18. The updated maps, created in coordination with local officials, the state and FEMA, can be viewed online through FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer. Residents and business owners are urged to check whether their flood risk designation has changed and how that may impact future flood insurance requirements. During the appeal period, stakeholders may submit concerns. Appeals must include technical data, while simple corrections—such as labeling or boundary errors—may be submitted as comments. Once all appeals are resolved, FEMA will set an effective date for the final maps. More information is available at FEMA’s flood map website or by calling 1-877-FEMA-MAP. Residents are also encouraged to speak with their insurance agents, as most standard insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
