FEMA and Michigan officials will host a flood risk Open House for Berrien County residents on Nov. 14 in Benton Harbor to discuss updated flood maps and insurance.
Residents Urged to Review Updated Flood Maps at Event
BERRIEN COUNTY, MI – FEMA, in collaboration with the state of Michigan and Berrien County officials, will hold a public Open House to discuss new flood maps on Thursday, November 14, at the Benton Harbor Public Library from 4-6 p.m. The event aims to help residents understand their flood risk and potential impacts on flood insurance.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, view their specific property’s flood risk on the updated maps, and learn about how these changes might impact insurance premiums. The new maps cover a broad range of flood-prone areas in Berrien County, including key water bodies like McCoy Creek, Paw Paw River, St. Joseph River, and several drainage systems such as Goodrow Drain and Parker/Richardson Drain.
Flood Maps to Influence Insurance Rates and Local Planning
The updated maps are significant as they affect flood insurance rates and regulations under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These 34 Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels cover 29 communities across the county, with implications for seven charter townships, eleven townships, six cities, and five villages.
“Residents, homeowners, renters, and business owners in Berrien County are strongly encouraged to participate,” a FEMA representative said. The goal is to offer comprehensive information on the mapping process and provide practical advice to prevent flood damage.
Responding to Michigan’s Rising Flood Risk
FEMA highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare communities for increasingly extreme weather. Local officials will be better equipped to use the maps for floodplain management and rapid recovery planning after future storms.
Anyone with questions about the Open House can contact fema-r5-map@fema.dhs.gov. Media inquiries should be directed to the FEMA Region 5 News Desk.
Related Context: Rising Flood Concerns Across Michigan
Berrien County’s updated flood maps come amid heightened concerns over climate change and rising flood risks across Michigan. As extreme weather events become more frequent, accurate and up-to-date flood mapping remains crucial to mitigating damage and ensuring residents are informed.
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