The much discussed flood elevation Maps for South Jersey and much of the rest of the State have been released by FEMA and will serve as a guide for Hurricane Sandy survivors who want to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter.

But these maps could also possibly impact you even if you didn't receive any damage from Sandy.  If your home's potential flood risk has increased based on the best available information,  it would help dictate zoning on how high your home or business should be elevated  to minimize damage from future flood events.  The maps show that portions of communities are in new flood zones, which may impact insurance rates and building practices.

To be honest, I have tried using these maps and this information myself with very limited success.  If you have real concerns about your property's flood zone or any building code ramifications, you'll have to take these findings to your town's zoning office to get the specific information you need.  But it is a start and the combination of the Google Maps technology with the flood map information is very cool!

Let me know how you make out in the comments section below.

Advisory maps containing recommended building elevations are available for these counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. To learn more, visit the following web sites:

Advisory maps show, based on the best available information, how high structures should be elevated   to minimize damage from future flood events.  The maps  show that portions of communities are in new flood zones, which may impact insurance rates and building practices.

 

  • For information on federal flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov.You can also call         888-379-9531 or contact your insurance agent.
  • FEMA provides flood insurance resources including publications and frequently asked questions online at www.fema.gov/nfip.

 

Communities are encouraged to adopt advisory base flood elevation maps to reduce future flood risk  and to decrease the cost of flood insurance. Property owners should work with local building officials   to fully understand all requirements - including advisory maps - to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter.

 

Contact your local officials if you have questions about advisory base flood elevation maps and how they affect you and your community.

 

 

 

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