FEMA MAPPING UPDATED

The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), in cooperation with Alleghany County, is in the final stages of completing a multi-year project to re-examine the county’s flood maps containing flood zones and to develop detailed, digital flood hazard maps. Based on the new mapping, some parcels flood zone classification may have changed. These parcels, or a portion thereof, may now be shown to adjoin or be located within a flood hazard area. This change may effect current flood insurance information and future development of those properties effected. Letters to the effected property owners will be mailed soon and they will be provided an opportunity to view the revised flood maps.

Individuals receiving letters need to be made aware that you are receiving a letter because you property may adjoin to a flood hazard area and a portion of or your entire parcel may be contained within a flood hazard area. Please be made aware that if there is a structure contained on the property this letter is not necessarily stating that the structure is in a flood hazard area, but that a portion of the property may be in or adjoins a flood hazard area. To actually verify the flood locations, one will have to view the maps themselves.

If you know your property is located within a flood hazard area and you do not receive a notification letter in the mail, please contact the Planning and Zoning Office so that you can be added to the parcel listing to receive future notifications.

A draft of the new digital maps have been released by FEMA for public viewing. The new maps reflect current flood risks, replacing maps that are up to 22 years old. As a result, the county will have more reliable, detailed and up-to-date maps to assist in making determinations regarding floodplain locations within the county. In the future, this information will be made internet-accessible so everyone can have access to the information.

Citizens may call the Planning and Zoning Office at 863-6650 to make an appointment to view the maps.

If you have further questions or to make an appointment, please call 540-863-6650, or contact Shelly Dudley in the Pubic Works Department of the Governmental Complex in Low Moor, 9212 Winterberry Avenue, Suite A, Covington, VA 24426. You may also view information by visiting the county’s webpage www.co.alleghany.va.us and clicking on “New FEMA Maps”, or the FEMA webpage at www.fema.gov and click on “NFIP”.

Shelly Dudley, CZA

County Planner/Zoning Administrator

* * * * * * * * * *

COUNTY CORNER

(by Ryan Muterspaugh, Director of Public Safety)

Guard against the novel H1N1 flu virus

Flu season is here. Have you been vaccinated?

Each year in the United States , more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications. The novel H1N1 flu is a new flu strain that is spreading worldwide among people, particularly school children and young adults.

Controlling the spread of H1N1 flu is everyone’s responsibility. The Virginia Department of Health urges you to protect yourself, your family and the community against the H1N1 virus by taking these steps:

ü Vaccinate children and yourself for seasonal flu early and be sure to also get the H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available.

ü Wash your hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes with a sleeve, elbow or tissue – not your hands. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.

ü Stay home if you have flu symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. Don’t return to work or school until you have been without a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. Working parents should make plans for their children’s care if they or their children should become ill with the H1N1 virus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the following groups of people receive the novel H1N1 flu vaccine when it first becomes available:

· Pregnant women

· People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

· Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

· Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old

· People 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

For more information about novel H1N1 flu, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov or call VDH’s toll-free inquiry center at 1-877-ASK-VDH3 (1-877-275-8343) during business hours. For more information about preparing your family for emergencies, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov or call 1-866-782-3470.

Home