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Flood insurance will be newly required for properties with federally backed mortgages that are in the Special Flood Hazard Area. Residents are encouraged to review the preliminary maps HERE and to learn more about flood insurance. FEMA recommends that residents speak with their insurance broker or visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/ for more information. The insurance requirement begins within 12 months of the effective date of the maps (effective date is yet to be determined, sign up for email updates to stay up to date). Some properties may be eligible for discounted insurance rates after being newly included in the Special Flood Hazard Area. Additional discounts may be available if a municipality participates in the Community Rating System, a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Property owners may purchase insurance through the NFIP. The program is designed to cover damage in addition to limited disaster assistance programs in the case of a flooding event. The program is available regardless of whether your property is located in a flood zone. Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flood damage. With a high percentage of rental properties in Tompkins County, renters are encouraged to consider contents-only flood insurance, which can help protect items inside of a unit in the event of a flood.