New England Flood Hazard Mapping Q&A

The Bridge Graphic

What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and what information does it contain?

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) are the tool the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses to determine the flood risk that home and business owners face.  The flood risk information presented in a FIRM is based on historic, meteorological, hydraulic and hydrologic data, as well as open space conditions, flood-control works, and development. 

As part of FEMA's Map Modernization Program, FIRMs are now being printed and stored in a digital format known as Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM).  DFIRMs are delivered in an industry-standard Geographic Information System format, which allows users to view information in a graphical format and add or remove layers of data according to their needs.  The digitization of the maps improves the readability and accurate determinations.  In addition, some high priority areas have benefited from new hydrological and hydraulic studies. 

A variety of information can be found on a FIRM or DFIRM, including:

What is the Flood Map Modernization Program?

The Map Modernization Program (Map Mod) is a multiyear initiative to improve and update the nation's flood hazard identification maps.

Who uses FIRMs and DFIRMs?

FIRMs and DFIRMs are valuable to a wide range of users.  Private citizens, insurance agents, real estate brokers, community officials, lending institutions, and Federal Agencies all use the FIRMs and DFIRMs to locate properties, buildings, and corresponding flood risk zones.  Community officials use the FIRMs and DFIRMs to administer floodplain management regulations and mitigate flood damage.  Lending institutions and federal agencies use the flood maps to locate properties and buildings, and to determine whether flood insurance is required when making loans or providing grants for the purpose or construction of buildings.

Where can I find FIRMs and DFIRMs?

The flood maps for each community should be available for review at your local community map repository site.  Typically, this is your municipal planning, zoning or engineering office.  If you would like copies of flood maps in paper and/or digital format, they may also be obtained from FEMA's Map Service Center.  You can also print a FIRMette for free on this web site.  A FIRMette is a full-scale section of a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that you create yourself online. There is no cost for making a FIRMette.   FIRMettes can be used in all aspects of the NFIP including floodplain management, flood insurance, and enforcement of mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements.

What is the Cooperating Technical Partners Program?

With over 20,000 communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), there is a significant challenge keeping flood hazard maps current. The Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program is an innovative approach to creating partnerships between Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and participating NFIP communities, regional agencies, and State agencies that have the interest and capability to become more active participants in the FEMA flood hazard mapping program.

FEMA is seeking qualified Partners to collaborate in maintaining up-to-date flood hazard maps and other flood hazard information and has an assessment tool for determining whether the CTP Program is right for your community or agency.

For additional information contact:
Lauren Pawlik at 617-832-4714 or lauren.pawlik@dhs.gov
David Mendelsohn at 617-832-4713 or david.mendelsohn@dhs.gov
 

Last Modified: Thursday, 14-Feb-2008 16:16:45 EST