Orlando Harmon
Flood maps are an essential tool for communities to assess their flood risk and take appropriate measures to safeguard their families, homes, and businesses. FEMA maintains and updates flood map data, including Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), to help communities understand the likelihood of flooding in their areas. These maps are particularly crucial for areas with a high risk of flooding, defined as a 1% or higher chance of experiencing a flood annually. By referring to FEMA's resources, such as the Flood Map Changes Viewer and the National Flood Hazard Layer, community officials, property owners, and the public can access and compare preliminary and current flood hazard data. This information enables stakeholders to make informed decisions about flood insurance and implement effective strategies to mitigate potential flood damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To understand flood risk and take protective actions |
| Users | Communities, homeowners, community officials, engineers, insurance professionals |
| Information | Flood risk, type of flooding, and frequency |
| Tools | Flood maps, risk assessments, flood data viewers, geospatial data |
| Data Sources | FEMA flood maps, Letters of Map Change (LOMC), community data |
| Map Types | Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Reports, FIRM Databases |
| Data Availability | Current and future flood conditions, preliminary and pending data |
| Data Coverage | Over 90% of the U.S. population |
| Data Access | FEMA's Map Service Center, Flood Map Changes Viewer, Risk MAP project |
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What You'll Learn
Accessing the Flood Map Changes Viewer
The Flood Map Changes Viewer is a tool that allows users to compare preliminary or pending changes to any current flood data for their community. If you want to access the Flood Map Changes Viewer, follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Check for Preliminary or Pending Data Availability
Before using the Flood Map Changes Viewer, check if preliminary or pending data is available for your community. This data may include new or revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Reports, and FIRM Databases. Contact your local government or FEMA's Map Service Center to inquire about the availability of preliminary or pending flood data for your specific community.
Step 2: Access the Flood Map Changes Viewer
Once you have confirmed the availability of preliminary or pending data, you can access the Flood Map Changes Viewer through FEMA's website or online platform. The Flood Map Changes Viewer may be accessible through a specific webpage or application designed for flood data viewing.
Step 3: Compare Preliminary or Pending Data with Existing Data
Utilize the Flood Map Changes Viewer to compare the preliminary or pending data with the existing flood data for your community. This comparison will help you understand how upcoming flood mapping changes will impact your community and individual properties. Look for visual representations, overlays, or side-by-side comparisons to identify any changes or adjustments in flood hazard zones or risk levels.
Step 4: Review Data Accuracy and Provide Feedback
Community officials and property owners are typically encouraged to review the data for accuracy. If you belong to a community organization or own property in the area, you may be able to participate in this review process. This step ensures that the data accurately reflects the flood risks and helps identify any discrepancies or errors. If you notice any inaccuracies or have relevant local knowledge that may impact flood hazard assessments, contact FEMA or the appropriate authorities to provide feedback and contribute to the data's accuracy.
By following these steps and utilizing the Flood Map Changes Viewer, you can stay informed about upcoming flood mapping changes and make more informed decisions regarding flood risk management and preparedness for your community and property. Remember that understanding your flood risk is crucial for taking appropriate actions to protect your family, home, and business.
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Using the National Flood Hazard Layer
The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a geospatial database that contains current and effective flood hazard data. It is made from flood maps and Letters of Map Change (LOMC) delivered to communities. The NFHL covers over 90% of the US population, and new and revised data is added continuously. The NFHL can be used to support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to help users understand their level of flood risk and the type of flooding they may experience.
You can access localized National Flood Hazard Layer data by searching FEMA's Map Service Center. You can also view, download, and print current local digital effective flood hazard data in an interactive map. The NFHL is also available as a web map service in Google Earth, and FEMA offers a download of a KMZ file, which overlays the data in Google Earth.
The National Flood Hazard Layer is updated as new data reach their designated effective date and become valid for regulatory use under the NFIP. The data provide users with the ability to determine the flood zone, base flood elevation, and floodway status for a particular geographic location.
The National Flood Hazard Layer is for community officials and members looking to view effective regulatory flood hazard information in a GIS application. It is also useful for the public to understand their home or community's projected risk to flood hazards.
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Understanding flood risk
Floods are unpredictable and can happen almost anywhere, even in places with no body of water nearby. River and coastal flooding are two of the most common types, but heavy rains, poor drainage, and construction projects can also cause flooding. To understand and mitigate their flood risk, communities use tools like flood maps, which show the likelihood of an area experiencing a flood. Any place with a 1% chance or higher chance of flooding each year is considered high risk. These areas have at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.
FEMA maintains and updates flood map data and risk assessments. The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a geospatial database that contains current effective flood hazard data. This data is used to support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFHL can be accessed through FEMA's Map Service Center, providing localized flood hazard information. FEMA also offers a Flood Map Changes Viewer, which allows users to compare existing data with new or revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Reports, and FIRM Databases.
Community officials, property owners, and the public can use preliminary FIRM products to understand how upcoming flood mapping changes will affect them. They can also review the data for accuracy and appeal preliminary determinations with better data. Once adopted by local governments, pending FIRM Databases become effective within six months. The Flood Hazard and Risk Data Viewer is another tool that provides a single location to access a large inventory of data on current and future flood conditions, helping users understand their flood risk.
While flood maps are essential tools, it's important to recognize that flood risk is always changing. About 40% of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims come from outside high-risk flood areas, and over 99% of counties in the US have experienced a flood event in the past 20 years. Even areas with levees or other mitigation efforts may still have a moderate flood risk. To help coastal communities, FEMA has initiated coastal flood risk studies for 100% of the populated coastline. Understanding flood risk is crucial for communities, homeowners, and local authorities to make informed decisions and implement effective flood risk management strategies.
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Appealing preliminary determinations
When the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes new or modified flood hazard determinations, it must provide the affected communities with a 90-day appeal period. This appeal period applies to the addition or modification of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
Appeals of the proposed flood hazard determinations must be based on scientific or technical evidence contrary to that of the proposed FIRM and its accompanying Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report. All appeal submissions must meet the data requirements defined in Part 67.6 of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations.
FEMA's Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) process aims to work collaboratively with communities to ensure that the flood hazard data depicted on FIRMs and in the accompanying FIS reports is based on the best available science. Inquiries regarding data other than the proposed flood hazard determinations (e.g., incorrect street names, corporate limits, typographical errors, omissions) will also be considered by FEMA, and any necessary changes will be made before the FIRM and FIS report become effective.
FEMA has also established an Expanded Appeals Process, effective as of December 1, 2011, to provide the same due process for changes in Base Flood Elevations (BFEs)/base flood depths and other changes in flood hazard information shown on the FIRM. This includes additions or modifications to SFHA boundaries, zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The Expanded Appeals Process applies to flood studies, Physical Map Revisions (PMRs), and Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs).
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Contacting a Map Specialist
To find a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), you can contact a Map Specialist in the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX). The Map Information eXchange has Map Specialists available for calls and online chats from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
FEMA's Map Service Center (MSC) is the official online location to find all flood hazard mapping products created under the National Flood Insurance Program, including community flood maps. The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a geospatial database that contains current effective flood hazard data. It is made from effective flood maps and Letters of Map Change (LOMC) delivered to communities. The NFHL can be used in place of the FIRM for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) purposes with appropriate care.
FEMA provides the flood hazard data to support the National Flood Insurance Program. You can use the information to better understand your level of flood risk and type of flooding. The NFHL covers over 90% of the U.S. population, and new and revised data is being added continuously. If you need information for areas not covered by the NFHL data, there may be other FEMA products that provide coverage for those areas. Access localized National Flood Hazard Layer data by searching FEMA's Map Service Center. You can also view, download, and print current local digital effective flood hazard data in an interactive map.
If your community has adopted the maps, you can submit data to amend or revise the flood map through the Letter of Map Change (LOMC) process. You can also view and compare preliminary data with existing data on the Flood Map Changes Viewer.
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Frequently asked questions
A Flood Insurance Rate Map is a map that shows the flood risk level of an area. It helps homeowners understand their risk and take actions to protect their properties.
You can find a FIRM on the FEMA website. They are published in the Pending NFHL database. You can also access localized FIRM data by searching FEMA's Map Service Center.
FIRMs are updated continuously by FEMA to reflect new and revised flood hazard data.
If you believe the FIRM for your area is incorrect, you can submit data to amend or revise it through the Letter of Map Change (LOMC) process.
The NFHL is a geospatial database that contains current effective flood hazard data. It is created from effective flood maps and Letters of Map Change delivered to communities. While FIRMs are used specifically for flood insurance purposes, the NFHL can be used to understand flood risk and type.
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