The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will hold a Flood Insurance Workshop on Friday, August 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at City Hall. The workshop will provide the public information on the new updates to flood insurance rates and resources, as well as FEMA’s new Flood Insurance Rate Maps that go into effect September 30, 2016.
This workshop is being held in partnership with District B Councilmember LaToya Cantrell and District D Councilmember Jared C. Brossett.
According to the City, FEMA’s new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) will be finalized and in effect for New Orleans on September 30. Due to significant improvements in drainage and flood protection, more than 53 percent of all properties in New Orleans were removed from Special Flood Hazard Areas (“A” zones”) and as a result, will benefit from more affordable flood insurance. Under the new FIRMS, many homeowners will be eligible for a significantly lower flood insurance rate.
The Flood Insurance Workshop will prepare insurance agents, real estate professionals, lenders, builders and surveyors with an understanding of the updated FIRMs. It will cover the location of changes, the Newly Mapped Procedure and Grandfather rating options, policy conversion, customer retention, impacts of reform legislation and how to utilize new tools and resources.
In a statement to the press, District B Councilmember LaToya Cantrell said:
“Given that we are in the middle of hurricane season, it is important to remember that we must be active and intentional about our storm water preparations. New Orleans residents should educate themselves and inform their neighbors of upcoming policy changes in order to lessen the stress when disaster strikes. Preparation should be a key part of resilience.”
The workshop is free of charge and open to the public, however, no more seats are available. For more information, see the event page here.
