Ogle County Flood Risk Information Open House Is Sept. 23

CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), will host a flood risk information open house for residents of Ogle County Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ogle Farm Bureau, 421 W. Pines Road in Oregon.

Newly released preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps will be displayed so residents can learn about their risk of flooding and how this will affect their lives and property. Those interested in attending may drop in at any time during the evening to talk with FEMA or IDNR representatives.

"Everyone is at some risk of flooding," said Janet M. Odeshoo, acting regional administrator of FEMA Region V in Chicago. "People need to know what that risk is so they can make informed decisions about the safety of their family and financial investments."

Some residents may be required to purchase flood insurance based on these maps once they become effective. Federal banking regulations require the purchase of flood insurance for loans on structures in high risk flood areas. Once effective, these maps will be used to determine flood risk, develop mitigation measures, and encourage wise and responsible risk management decision-making.

For more information, contact Joel Intrieri, FEMA natural hazards program specialist, at (312) 408-5220, or Shelly Fuller of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at (847) 608-3100, ext. 2018.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.