California frequently suffers some of the costliest disasters in the country. Now state officials fear they’ll be left to face them without federal funding.

Two days after deadly Texas floods, the agency struggled to answer calls from survivors because of call center contracts that weren’t extended.

FEMA is anticipated to open a 90-day public appeal and comment period in the winter where property owners can formally challenge the flood zone designation but they must provide scientific or technical data to back up their request.

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center offers an interactive map that allows anyone in the U.S. to enter their address and see if they live in a designated flood zone. The tool can also be used to explore other areas, making it helpful for those planning a move, managing a rental property or checking on family or friends in another region.

In the wake of deadly flooding in Texas, we don’t know where the current FEMA chief is, or whether he’s doing the job. That’s not ideal.