Open house examines flood risk in county

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Want to know more about flood risks in Douglas County?

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host a Flood Risk Information Open House on Wednesday, September 24.

It will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Douglas County Public Works Building, 509 3rd Avenue West in Alexandria.

County residents will have an opportunity to review a recently completed preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood information, delineate areas subject to significant flood hazards within the county, and offer information public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

The open house will be staffed with representatives from various local, state and federal agencies, who will provide the most current information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the process for floodplain mapping within Douglas County.

The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps will be on display. Once the maps become effective, these maps will be used by floodplain permit officials, builders and developers, lenders, realtors, insurance agents, and the general public to determine flood risk, develop mitigation measures, and encourage wise and responsible risk management decision-making.

Property owners, realtors, lenders, and insurance agents are urged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community.

For more information, contact Joel Intrieri, natural hazards program specialist, at (312) 408-5220.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terrorism.

Tags: douglas, county, flood, risk