New FEMA flood map lowers flood risk for many Bellevue homeowners [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a Letter of Map Change (LOMC) for many Bellevue homeowners, which eliminates their federal requirement to purchase flood insurance.

The map changes went into effect in June and included Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs) and Letters of Map Revision-based on Fill (LOMR-Fs).

FEMA said even though homes do not fall in high-risk flood areas on a Flood Insurance Rate Map does not mean a home cannot experience a flooding event.

Metro Water Service (MWS) suggests every property owner even close to water, in a flood hazard area, or a low-lying area have flood insurance, even if not required.

Jo Ann Sisemore experienced the 2010 Bellevue flood at her home on Harpeth Bend Drive. At the time, she didn’t have flood insurance because she wasn’t determined to be in a floodplain.

“It was a horrible thing, nothing you’d ever imagine because we …