FEMA Flood Zone Maps Include 450,000 More Households

In New York city, 450,000 households have received letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency saying their homes could be included in its proposed expanded flood zones. For some, it's optional, but only those in high risk areas with mortgages from federally regulated or insured lenders are required to buy flood insurance.

"The best way to mitigate risk at the individual property owner level is to purchase flood insurance to protect their investment and their home," said FEMA spokesman Andrew Martin.

FEMA began using computer models to update the maps after Sandy. The proposed maps mean twice as many New York City properties will be in a flood zone. They include practically all of Howard Beach and parts of Red Hook, Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay and the Rockaways.

Barbara Brice has been living in Brooklyn's Columbia Street Waterfront District for 30 years. She said with rising sea levels, it makes sense for FEMA to redraw its maps.

"I guess they don't want us to wait until another disaster happens because the government will not be able to pay all of the fees to replenish all of the things that would be loss in a flood," Brice said.

Brice is retired and said she's concerned about the increased cost flood insurance will add to her household expenses. 

Residents who want to file a comment or appeal have until June 28.