Nationally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has just completed a multi-year map project showing properties as they are affected by various flood conditions.  These new maps replace 30-year old maps.  Official maps will be released in early 2010.  Until then, preliminary maps have been released, but may not be used for insurance rating purposes or official documentation.

Special flood hazard areas (SFHA) inundated by a 100-year flood stand a 1% chance of flooding each year.   Properties in a federally designated SFHA require flood insurance.  This includes some areas in Toledo formerly protected by the levee systems of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Until the new maps are made official in early 2010, properties to be included in a designated SFHA may be eligible for lower cost “grandfathering” insurance rates.  The City of Toledo, along with other municipalities in NW Ohio, are working to reduce flood insurance rates by participating in the Community Rating System (CRS).  Contact your insurance agent for details on flood insurance.

DISTRICT MEETINGS.  Toledo City Council has scheduled a series of neighborhood, District meetings to be held in June of 2009 to address the concerns of its constituents regarding flood insurance.  These meetings will be utilized to inform and educate citizens on the new flood zone maps and the National Flood Insurance Program. If you have additional questions regarding the meetings, please call City Council at 419-245-1050.