FEMA Flood Map Updates

Clallam County and the cities of Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks held a virtual Open House and information session with FEMA on May 10, 2021, where local, State, and Federal staff were on hand to provide information about the Clallam County flood map update and how to reduce flood risk.

MEETING INFORMATION

Monday, May 10,  2021 at 10:30am - Virtual Clallam Board of County Commissioner's Meeting

Please hold this date and time for the Clallam County Flood Map Update virtual Open House*.  

During the work session, FEMA presented information to the public about the map update.  Following the presentation, FEMA held a Q&A session. 

ALSO: The Clallam County Planning Commission conducted a workshop from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on June 16, 2021. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MAP UPDATE BY CLICKING HERE.

WHY ARE THE FLOOD MAPS CHANGING?

Flood risk changes over time and mapping technology has improved. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the State, County, Tribes, and other local communities, is using updated data and newer technology to create updated flood maps that more accurately represent the risk of flooding in your community. 

New maps help your community better understand flood risks, which allows for more informed decisions about how to protect against damage and loss.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME? 

The new flood maps, officially known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), identify areas of flood risk (high, moderate, low) and will influence financial, planning, investment, and development decisions.

Owners of structures in high-risk areas will be required to have flood insurance for loans taken through federally regulated or insured lenders. We encourage anyone whose property lies in or is close to a high-risk zone to purchase flood insurance. 

WHAT CAN I LEARN AT THE VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE AND INFORMATION SESSION? 

Our goal is to help residents understand the risks of living or owning property in or near a flood zone and what steps you can take to protect your home and family. At the Open House, you can:

  • Learn about the flood mapping process.
  • Ask about the risk to your property and learn what happens next.
  • Understand flood insurance implications. 
  • Understand how the map revision will affect your property and community.

Engineers, flood insurance specialists, local community contacts, and other experts will be present to answer questions and provide information. 

QUESTIONS?

For general information visit the story map. 

To request a map of your property, contact: PropertyIDMap@starr-team.com 

To learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program: visit floodsmart.gov, contact your FEMA Flood Insurance Liaison, Scott VanHoff at scott.vanhoff@fema.dhs.gov, or call (425) 487-4677

For more information about the engineering behind FEMA’s Flood Maps, and how to submit a comment or an appeal to the maps, contact: engineering.clallam@starr-team.com 

To submit a comment and/or appeal or to ask general questions not answered with the resources above, contact your community’s office:

  • Port Angeles: Shannen Cartmel, Community & Economic Development Manager | scartmel@cityofpa.us | 321 E. 5th St. Port Angeles, WA 98362