CHICAGO — Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, will host a flood risk information open house on Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Rotunda at Ohio University Southern.

The open house will provide Lawrence County residents with an opportunity to review recently completed preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and its accompanying preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

The FIS and the FIRMs provide base flood information, delineate areas subject to significant flood hazards within the county, and offer information public officials may use when permitting development in the floodplain.

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

The newly prepared preliminary floodplain maps will be on display. Once the maps become effective, these maps 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 and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their community.

For more information, contact Mark Seidelmann, Stantec Consulting Services Inc., at (614) 486-4383. Or contact Carrie Yaniko, CFM, Lawrence Soil and Water Conservation District, at (740) 867-4737.

FEMA leads the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation to reduce the loss of life and property and support a culture of readiness for all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other major incidents.