The Mayor's Desk

Environmental Commissioner Jeffrey Zeh asked me to pass on
the following information to you:

New Flood Maps in the Works for Nassau County

It is a common myth that homeowner's insurance covers damages resulting from a flood. While they do cover other types of damage, they do not cover flood damage. National Flood Insurance is the only way to protect your home from this risk. Many large insurance companies have pulled back from storm vulnerable coastlines and many residents have had to find new homeowner's policies.

The good news is that National Flood Insurance is available to everyone including those in high risk flood zones.The new maps, which are available to be viewed at the Village Hall, show some significant changes for Manorhaven. In almost all cases the flood risk zones have stayed the same or have decreased. Some of this is due to new mapping techniques and more accurate scientific data. Changes in topography due to construction and the changing landscape of Manorhaven are also factors.

While this can be seen as good news for Manorhaven residents, it would be wise for everyone to consider all the risk factors such as the increased frequency and severity of storms. Over the last 3 years in the United States over 3 million homeowners have had their homeowner's insurance policies cancelled or not renewed.

The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management has a map showing the hurricane storm surge zones which show all of Manorhaven at risk for stronger category hurricanes. map The following websites are helpful in determining what may be the best course of action for Manorhaven residents. Old and New flood maps  

Beginning in late August there will be two public notices published in Newsday announcing the proposed new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). Following those publications there will be a 90 day appeals period, which ends Dec. 1, 2008, where any citizen or municipality can challenge the new maps. If there are any challenges, they will be forwarded to DEC and FEMA for review. After the appeals period each municipality has 6 months to adopt the new maps as law. The expectation is that the new maps will be in effect by approximately June 2009.

If you have any questions please contact Mr. Zeh at jeffzeh@verizon.net