ATLANTA — Newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for the Georgia coastal areas, including Long County, will be available for residents to review at four open houses this week.

Flood maps show how badly areas are at risk of flooding, and when they become effective, updated maps will help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open house provides residents the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about their property. Residents can meet with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more.

Long County’s open house will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Ludowici City Hall, 469 N. Macon St.

The preliminary maps were released through a partnership among the counties, their municipalities, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Maps for other areas, including Liberty County, were released earlier.

Over time, flood risks change because of development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift and other factors.

Home and business owners, renters, Realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners, business owners, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Go to www.floodsmart.gov or call 888-379-9531 for more information about flood insurance.