FEMA is now releasing preliminary work map data including the full results of Hudson-Hoosic Watershed study. The work maps are a draft product that FEMA is sharing ahead of the future issuance of preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The work maps are intended to help community officials understand current flood risk and likely flood insurance requirements in the future. The release of this information will also provide community officials an opportunity to review and comment on areas in their community where they believe risks are inappropriately mapped (understated or overstated). he draft work maps will not affect flood insurance rates or the Federal requirement to purchase flood insurance in designated areas. Only the effective FIRM, which has been officially adopted by community officials, can be used to rate flood insurance policies or require the purchase of flood insurance.