New EBR flood maps go into effect June 19

East Baton Rouge Parish homeowners, business owners and renters who do not have flood insurance are being encouraged to buy coverage before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect June 19, in order to get the best possible premiums. You can see the new flood map here. Kyle Jones, chief of staff for the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says flooding can sometimes occur outside the mapped floodplain. So, while many residents are required by mortgage and lending companies to carry flood insurance, Jones encourages all residents to purchase flood insurance as the floodplain is ever changing. “The high-water event from the 2011 Mississippi River Incident is a great example of how those who were not in a designated flood zone could have been severely affected,” Jones says in a news release. He says those who purchase flood insurance prior to the June 19 deadline may be able to take advantage of lower premiums. Learn more at the city-parish’s Red Stick Ready website here.