Questions and Answers

For property owners remapped into a Special Flood Hazard Area

How much will it cost? How can I save money?

There are “grandfathering” options offered by the NFIP for properties being mapped into higher-risk areas for the first time. These grandfathering options allow you to save significant money by locking in your current flood zone, but in order to lock in the zone and the lower rate, payment for the policy must be presented before the effective date of the new FIRM, which was origionally anticipated to occur in June, 2010 is now going to be occurring in the summer of 2011 for Provincetown. Enclosed is a brochure, which outlines the cost savings that you may be eligible for if you take advantage of the grandfathered rates– which is strongly recommended. The grandfathered policy is transferrable when the home is sold as long as it is continuously maintained.

How can I get flood insurance?

Flood insurance is usually available through your homeowner’s insurance agency. Though homeowner’s insurance does not cover floods, most companies that offer homeowners insurance also offer flood insurance. Private lines of flood insurance are largely unavailable and substantially more expensive. Contact your insurance agent to learn about how to obtain a policy.

Why Me? Why Now?

A multi-year project to re-examine Provincetown flood zones and develop detailed, digital flood hazard maps has recently been completed as part of FEMA’s nationwide Map Modernization Program. As a result, you and other property owners throughout Barnstable County will have up-to-date, reliable, Internet-accessible information about your flood risk, on a property-by-property basis. The new FIRMs reflect current flood risks, replacing maps that are up to 17 years old. Like all maps, the FIRMs are a snapshot in time. The risk for flooding changes over time due to erosion, development, weather events, and other factors and the likelihood of inland, riverine and coastal flooding has changed along with these factors. The updated maps are a more accurate depiction of current flood risks in your area.

How are these maps beneficial to me?

These flood hazard maps are important tools used in the effort to protect lives and properties in Provincetown. Having flood insurance guarantees the financial assistance that you’ll need to get back on your feet after a flood. Most other forms of federal disaster assistance require a presidential declaration, which are only awarded in less than 50% of flooding incidents.

By more accurately depicting the extent to which areas in Provincetown and individual properties are at risk for flooding, the flood maps help residents and business owners make more informed decisions about personal safety and financially protecting their property. These maps also allow community planners, local officials, engineers, builders and others to make determinations about where and how new structures and developments should be built.

If I feel there has been an error, can I file a protest or appeal?

The maps that were just released are still known as preliminary. Citizens have the opportunity to submit technical and/or scientific data to file a protest regarding their individual property, or an appeal regarding the accuracy of the mapping process in general. To learn more about protests and appeals contact Tim Hillier, Program Manager, CDM, One Cambridge Place, Cambridge, MA 02139.

What if I don’t have a mortgage?

If you do not have a mortgage, it is still recommended that you purchase flood insurance. Over the life of a 30-year loan, there is a much greater chance for flooding than there is for a fire, and most homeowners insurance policies do not provide coverage for damage due to flooding.

Where can I go for more information?

For more information on flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program’s website, www.floodsmart.gov. Local government staff also will be available to assist residents one-on-one and provide information at the temporary Town Hall location, 16 Jerome Smith Road between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday. You may also stay up-to-date and look up your parcel on the new map by visiting www.provincetown-ma.gov. For general information about the flood map modernization project, you also can contact Brian Carlson, Health and Environmental Affairs Manager at 508-487-7000 ext 537 or via e-mail at bcarlson@provincetown-ma.gov.

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