As part of its nationwide effort to update the Nation’s flood hazard maps, FEMA is paying particular attention to coastal areas. With approximately 39% of the Nation’s population living in a coastal county (i.e., a county that is contiguous with the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or Great Lakes coast or that has Special Flood Hazard Areas caused by coastal flooding identified), it is vital that residents and businesses in these communities have accurate flood hazard information, know their flood risk, and take steps to protect their lives and property. To learn more about the coastal analysis and mapping effort in your community, look up the areas being studied.