FEMA prepping Berrien County community for the unpredictable

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- FEMA invited the public to attend a Flood Map Open House Thursday evening, where they displayed FEMA’s preliminary flood maps, answered questions about flood risk, and explained if someone should consider flood insurance.

FEMA has been updating the Flood Insurance Study report and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) over the past two years. It covers over 29 communities in Berrien County, focusing on several flooding sources including Paw Paw River and St. Joseph River.

FEMA’s External Affairs Specialist, Mike Obrock, explained why these map updates needed to happen.

“Technology has improved in such a way that we have a better understanding of where the flood risk actually is. Also, there are changes the environment, changes to the climate, those things are impacting our flood maps,” said Obrock.

Obrock went onto say it’s best to plan ahead, rather than being caught in a disaster situation.

“Flooding is very expensive. 1 inch of water in your basement can cause an extensive amount of damage and so that’s why flood insurance is so important and if these homes are in a flood area and they choose not to get that insurance, they risk not being eligible for federal disaster assistance should a flood occur,” said Obrock.

At the open house, FEMA also wanted the public to see these possible maps so they can see if there are any flaws or concerns before the 90-day appeal period opens, possibly in March.

During that appeals process, residents can submit any comments or questions to FEMA if they believe any part of the map is not accurate to what they see in their area.

To view the preliminary maps and see how they may affect your property, click here.