FEMA’s new proposed flood risk maps include much of downtown Santa Rosa

PREPARATIONS FOR A POSSIBLE FLOOD in Santa Rosa this year include more than having a disaster kit ready because residents will be asked to obtain flood insurance for newly designated flood-prone areas around the city.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency released preliminary flood maps for the Santa Rosa Creek Watershed on July 8. The new maps identify approximately 2,500 properties within specially designated FEMA zones called Special Flood Hazard Areas that would require owners to comply with new flood insurance requirements and stricter building regulations.