Do you live along the Lake Michigan shoreline? Do you know your flood risk? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Berrien County are hosting a Flood Risk Open House to provide Berrien County residents with an opportunity to learn more about their updated flood maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). FEMA representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the maps, the mapping process, and flood insurance.

The Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2020, from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Benton Harbor Public Library located at 213 E. Wall Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

During this time, residents can locate their property on the new map and learn about the flood zone for that area.They will have the chance to talk to members of the project team, flood insurance professionals, and state officials.

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States, and people outside of high-risk areas also need to be prepared. It is vital that property owners understand their risk and take steps to protect their families and property, including flood insurance and personal mitigation actions. Lenders and flood insurance companies use the FIRM and the Flood Insurance Study report to determine flood insurance requirements and costs.

Questions about how your property may be affected? Call the FEMA Flood Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-336-2627.