Are Your Flood Maps Current?

[Ben Vukicevich SRA]

Neat link to make sure your flood maps are current for FHA URAR appraisals.

http://www.FEMA.gov/FEMA/csb.htm

If you don't have the actual FEMA map in your office for an area. Then go here and zoom around:

http://www.esri.com/hazards/makemap.html

It doesn't show the actual flood zone (A,B,C,X,V) but it does show the 100 year areas. It may keep you out of trouble sometime if your map is out of date.

Ben

 

[Larry Lyke]

Ben --

I'm still using paper maps. I got so used to them, I can often cite the map number. Does anybody use any of the electronic providers for FEMA map information.

I think I receive one new map every 2 years for any changes in my whole 8-county territory -- there's that little updating.

Even the Web site says you have to use the paper map for single site information. Also, how do you come up with the panel number without using the paper map itself.

Just asking.

 

[Dave Smith]

Talk about updated maps... The most current maps for my area have a 1978 date on them.

'Nuf

 

[Joe Birrell (NY)]

Hey Ben,

Thanks for website posting. I also still use paper maps (have them memorized). I'll check it out.

P.S. I see your back, Welcome. Always enjoyed your postings.

 

[Ben Vukicevich SRA]

L.,

I use a combination of the paper maps and CD flood maps. I only posted the link so that forumites could check whatever maps they use to insure they are using the most recent maps available. We don't want to be "gripped" by HUD/FHA for using outdated data, do we? Granted most haven't been updated in years but it's nice to know that you're using the most recent flood maps as listed on the FEMA website.

As far as the correct panel, you're right. I posted the ersi link because it shows the areas of the 100 year flood. If your subject was in that area, I'd be concerned about getting the updated map ASAP so you could cite the exact panel number or maybe feel the need to take a trip to the town hall to look at their flood maps-most municipalites have them available for public viewing. If not shown to be in a flood zone on the ersi site, then maybe a call to the lender (who always has a flood cert completed) to get the proper panel number and current flood zone would be in order. At least that would get you out of trouble for the current appraisal until you can order a updated map for the community.


Ben

 

[Larry Lyke]

Ben --

I agree about using the most recent maps and not getting "gripped."

In that case, my alibi, if one is allowed, is that I'm a subscriber and I had used the most recent map FEMA sent to me. When the kitty gets too low, I suppose FEMA will send out a notice asking me to replenish it.

My map series seems to run from 1977 to 1999. Haven't received any shipment since then, I don't think.

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

I consider this one quite simple. Use the most recent map you can and always add:

"Subject to current Flood Certification"