The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood hazard data and maps for Berks County through an effort called Flood Map Modernization.  The result are revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).  The new maps have an updated base map that will improve the accuracy of floodplain determinations, and will be available in a digital format when these maps become effective.  This multi-year project has re-examined flood zones using new topographic data and aerial imagery.  As a result, flood zones have changed.  Some properties have been mapped into a higher risk zone and some have been mapped into a lower risk zone.

FEMA released the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to Berks County and our National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating municipalities on December 30, 2010.  According to FEMA's Letter of Final Determination, "FEMA has addressed all comments received on the Preliminary copies of the FIS report and FIRM.  Accordingly, the FIS report and FIRM for your community will become effective on July 3, 2012."

It is imperative that each municipality in Berks County adopt a new floodplain ordinance that meets the NFIP by July 3, 2012.  Property owners and residents are urged to review the new maps to make informed decisions about flood insurance.

 Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Effects that Revised Flood Hazards Have on Existing Structure

* KNOW YOUR RISK *
DETERMINE IF YOUR PROPERTY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA

1.  To view FEMA's preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Study issued December 30, 2010:

* Please note revisions have been made to the preliminary information and should be available on FEMA's website shortly*

     a.  Visit www.rampp-team.com/pa.htm
          -Under Berks County click on the Interactive Index 1 for the northern half of the county or
           Index 2 for the southern half of the county, and then click the panel of your choice.
     b.  Contact your municipality.  Contact information for all municipalities in Berks County can be
          found here:
          http://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Planning/Pages/LocalGovernmentProfiles.aspx

     *  Properties that are included within a Zone A or AE on the FIRM are considered to be in the
         Special Flood Hazard Area or a High Risk Zone.
     *  Flood insurance is mandatory if you live in a high-risk area (Zones A and AE) and have a
         mortgage from a federally regulated lender.
     *  If you do not have a mortgage, it is recommended that you consider purchasing flood
         insurance.
     *  If your property is located in a moderate or low risk zone (Zones X), flood insurance is optional.
         Contact your insurance agent to learn more and plan for your flood insurance.
     *  Because of 'grandfathering', you may be entitled to lower insurance rates, if you purchase flood
         insurance before the change (effective date of the new FIRM's).

2.  To view FEMA's current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM),
     a.  Visit www.msc.fema.gov
          Click on Flood Maps; select Pennsylvania; select Berks; select municipality property is located
           in; select Current FEMA Issued Flood Maps (button 4); first and second items are north and
           south indexes which can be used to determine Item ID (panel #); select appropriate Item ID.
     b.  Contact your municipality.  Contact information for all municipalities in Berks County can be
          found here:
          http://www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Planning/Pages/LocalGovernmentProfiles.aspx

3.  More information about flood insurance and the NFIP is available at:
     a.  Visit the National Flood Insurance Program website at www.floodsmart.gov
     b.  Contact the NFIP Telephone Response Center at 1-800-427-4661
     c.  Contact your insurance company or agent

4.  People who do not have flood insurance now and who will need it when the new map
      becomes effective should contact an insurance agent.
     a.  For a list of agents in your area that sell and service NFIP flood insurance policies, go to
          www.floodsmart.gov and click on Agent Locator.