FEMA Flood Zone Maps and Questions About Flood Zone Designations

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is the federal agency responsible for flood mapping. With all of the local flooding that has occurred in New York State in recent years, including this spring in the Mohawk Valley, some people have wondered where they might find the FEMA Flood Zone maps.

Flood Zone maps are available from the FEMA website. The site can be a little tricky to navigate through and all interpretation of the maps is the responsibility of the federal government. But here are a few tips to seeing a map of your neighborhood.

First, go to the website and put in your address as shown below:

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Second, click the link on the map that shows up for your neighborhood to retrieve the appropriate "panel":

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Third, choose to see the actual imagery by clicking on the symbol circled below:

Finally, when the map loads, zoom in or out, and move around the map, by using the tools at the left hand side of the page:

This link at FEMA answers many of the questions people have about the flood zone maps and also suggest that if you want more information you may e-mail or call a Map Specialist in the FEMA Map Information eXchange toll free, at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).