News release City of Coos Bay. With more advanced technology and better data, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (ODLCD), has issued preliminary flood maps for the City of Coos Bay. These revised maps affect portions of First Creek, Chickses Creek, and Empire Lakes. There will be a public meeting on Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (with formal presentations at 3:15 and 5:15) at the Owens Building, 201 N. Adams St, Coquille. At the event, property owners and residents will have a chance to learn about the flood mapping process and what the changes mean for them. Residents will also have the opportunity to ask questions about how these maps will impact their property and community. The City of Coos Bay encourages property owners to examine the draft maps prior to the meeting, which can be reviewed in person at 500 Central Avenue in Coos Bay or you can contact the City’s Engineering Technician Jason Vinyard at 541-269-1181 ext. 2249 to obtain an exhibit specific to your property. Flooding is the nation’s most common and most expensive natural disaster. According to national statistics, homes inside high-risk flood areas have a 26 percent chance of being damaged by flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage, compared with a 9 percent chance of sustaining fire damage. More information on flooding and flood safety is available on http://www.oregonriskmap.com/ find information for Coos County under ‘County Profiles’. To learn more about federal flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
