FEMA hosts event for citizens to inform them about flood insurance and new flood maps

WEST PALAM BEACH, Fla. – About 50 people attended the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) open house Saturday in West Palm Beach, a one-stop shop for all flood-related information.

Together with FEMA, district and city officials as well as representatives of insurance companies answered citizens’ questions about their current flood risk and the impact on their wallets.

Based on updated FEMA flood maps that take effect December 20, the risk for 5,000 properties in Palm Beach County has increased from low to moderate to high.

The most important lesson learned from the open day is that building insurance does not automatically include flood insurance and that we are all exposed to a certain risk of flooding.

FEMA recommends speaking with your insurance provider to find out how to best protect your home from flooding.