The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents, business owners and community leaders to review proposed updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Seneca County. A 90-day appeal and comment period will begin on July 23.
The updated maps were developed in coordination with local and state officials and are designed to provide a more accurate picture of local flood risk and future flood insurance requirements.
Community partners may submit appeals if they believe the data or modeling used in the maps is technically or scientifically incorrect. Supporting documentation, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, must be included with any appeal. Appeals cannot be based on the effects of planned or recently started construction projects.
Residents may also submit written comments to correct non-technical errors, such as mislabeled roads or municipal boundaries within the Special Flood Hazard Area.
The public can view the updated maps online at msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Appeals and comments must be submitted through local floodplain administrators. Once the appeal period ends and all feedback is reviewed, FEMA will finalize the maps and notify communities of the effective date, currently projected for winter 2026.
FEMA representatives are available for assistance through live chat at go.usa.gov/r6C, by phone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP, or by email at [email protected].
Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flooding. FEMA encourages those newly mapped into high-risk flood zones to speak with an insurance agent and explore options at floodsmart.gov.
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