Nassau County?s federal floodplain maps have been redrawn, which may leave thousands of residents scrambling to buy flood insurance.

Many areas once designated relatively safe and exempt from flood insurance, now are considered high risk. Officials say those who live in ?high risk? areas will be required by their banks to purchase flood insurance once the new maps are put into effect.

According to estimates, as many as 30,000 new homes, businesses and public buildings in the county are impacted. Long Beach, North Woodmere, Atlantic Beach, Point Lookout, Island Park and Valley Stream will be impacted by the changes.

Insurance agent Denis Miller advises homeowners to buy flood insurance now before the new maps are implemented.

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) is urging the government to hold more public hearings before the maps are finalized.

New Suffolk floodplain maps are expected to be released in August.

FEMA Map Service Center