Flood relief officials are ready to give Mower County residents the 411.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, will host a flood risk information open house 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Jay C Hormel Nature Center (1304 21st St. NE).

The open house will let residents review a new preliminary flood insurance study (FIS) and preliminary flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs). The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood information and delineate areas subject to significant flood hazards.

The open house will be staffed with representatives from various local, state and federal agencies who will provide information about flood risk, flood insurance, floodplain development regulations, and the process for floodplain mapping within the county.

The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps will be on display. Once the maps become effective, they will be used by floodplain permit officials, builders and developers, lenders, realtors, insurance agents and the general public to determine flood risk, develop mitigation measures, and encourage wise and responsible risk management decision-making.

Property owners, realtors, lenders and insurance agents are urged to attend. For more information, contact John Devine, FEMA Region V Program Specialist, at 312-408-5567 or Marge Dworak, FEMA Region V Outreach Specialist, at 312-408-5527.