State and federal officials will host an open house Nov. 10 aimed at helping Freeborn County residents figure out their risk of damage from a flood.

Freeborn County Administrator John Kluever said there will be new flood insurance rate maps available at the open house for people to look at and figure out if their homes are in a flood plain.

Kluever said the last time the maps had been updated was probably about 30 years ago.

Local officials, along with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials, will be on hand to answer questions. Information will also be provided about flood insurance coverage offered through the National Flood Insurance Program, along with flood protection standards, regulatory requirements, state programs and flood mitigation techniques.

According to FEMA, devastating floods cause more than $2 billion in damage in the United States every year.

A letter from FEMA officials sent to county officials states the purpose of the open house is to help local officials and residents make sound risk management decisions.

The information may be of particular interest to people living in or near areas of special flood hazards, Realtors, insurance agents, developers and representatives from banks.

The open house will go from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Freeborn County Commissioners Board Room, with a meeting for county officials from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

There will be no formal presentation made during the open house, so people are invited to come and go as they wish.