F.E.M.A.
FEMA has revised the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for the Borough of Spotswood.
The Borough Engineer has been involved in the process and the meetings.
To view a copy of the revised map, please click here:
Please note: How to View Your House and its Designation:
1. Click on above link.
You will see Middlesex County Floodmap
2. Click 'SEARCH' on the right hand column
3. Enter your house number and street address, plus Spotswood.
4. Click on 'GO'
You will see a Red Push Pin icon.
5. Hold your cursor over the Red Push Pin until a small window opens up next to it.
Take note of Flood Zone:
This letter notation will tell you what flood zone you are in, if any.
Either use the below chart:
Or click on (on the right side of the page)
ZONE
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DESCRIPTION
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B and X (shaded)
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Area of moderate flood hazard, usually the area between the limits of the 100-year and 500-year floods. B Zones are also used to designate base flood plains of lesser hazards, such as areas protected by levees from 100-year flood, or shallow flooding areas with average depths of less than one foot or drainage areas less than 1 square mile.
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C and X (unshaded)
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Area of minimal flood hazard, usually depicted on FIRMs as above the 500-year flood level. Zone C may have ponding and local drainage problems that don't warrant a detailed study or designation as base floodplain. Zone X is the area determined to be outside the 500-year flood and protected by levee from 100-year flood.
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Middlesex's new, preliminary flood maps will reduce the number of structures in the county's floodplain by 25%, officials say, noting that only seven municipalities will see an increase in the number of structures in a floodplain on the new map.
The seven municipalities that will have a net number of structures added to the Special Flood Hazard Area (SHFA) are: Carteret, Dunellen, Jamesburg, Metuchen, South Plainfield,
New Brunswick and Perth Amboy.
In general, the new, preliminary county flood map redraws the flood plain itself, removing some structures while adding others in most towns. Although the overall number of structures has been reduced from 4,732 on the current map to 3,568 on the new map -- accounting for the 25% net reduction -- residents are encouraged to check the status of their property at their municipal offices, or online at: http://rmc.mapmodteam.com/rmc2
The new flood maps are part of a national, $1 billion initiative to update the country's flood maps for 92% of the population. The digital technology allows for simultaneous layers of data, providing residents and local and state government the ability to more accurately assess a property's risk for flooding.
Middlesex County's new digital maps were released on September 30, 2008 and are preliminary in nature. There is a formal 90 day appeal period before the maps can be finalized. The appeal period will begin in mid April, exact date to be announced.
"The new maps use an aerial, digital format, making it easy to see roads and buildings in relations to flood risk zones" said Mike Dabney, Division Director for Flood Insurance and Mitigation for FEMA, Region II, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. "This should make it easier for people to identify their flood risk and to take steps to minimize those risks."
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Moderate to Low Risk Areas
In communities that participate in the NFIP, flood insurance is available but not required to all property owners and renters in these zones:
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High Risk Areas
In communities that participate in the NFIP, mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply to all of these zones:
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ZONE
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DESCRIPTION
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A
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Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding and a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Because detailed analyses are not performed for such areas; no depths or base flood elevations are shown within these zones.
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AE
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The base flood plain where base flood elevations are provided. AE Zones are now used on new format FIRMs instead of A1-A30 Zones.
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A1-30
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These are known as numbered A Zones (e.g., A7 or A14). This is the base floodplain where the FIRM shows a BFE (old format).
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AH
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Areas with a 1% annual chance of shallow flooding, usually in the form of a pond, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Base flood elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected intervals within these zones.
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AO
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River or stream flood hazard areas, and areas with a 1% or greater chance of shallow flooding each year, usually in the form of sheet flow, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Average flood depths derived from detailed analyses are shown within these zones.
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AR
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Areas with a temporarily increased flood risk due to the building or restoration of a flood control system (such as a levee or a dam). Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements will apply, but rates will not exceed the rates for unnumbered A zones if the structure is built or restored in compliance with Zone AR floodplain management regulations.
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A99
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Areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding that will be protected by a Federal flood control system where construction has reached specified legal requirements. No depths or base flood elevations are shown within these zones.
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