Flood Map Modernization Fact Sheet Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration Flood Map Modernization (“Map Mod”) is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) multi-year effort to update and transform flood maps into more reliable, easy-to-use, and readily available digital products. Map Mod enables communities and citizens across the country to more efficiently obtain flood hazard data, learn about their flood risk, and make informed decisions about development, floodplain management, and mitigation projects. Mapping Flood Risks The first step in preventing and reducing flood loss is to obtain reliable information about flood risk. Flood hazard maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), indicate areas at risk of flooding. However, flood risk changes over time and many maps no longer reflect current risks, due to land development and changes in the environment. Map Mod is producing more reliable, up-to-date flood data by using the latest mapping technology and delivering it in a geographic information system (GIS)-based format. As a result, digital maps can be more accessible and updated easily and at less cost, as flood risks change. As of January 2008, new flood maps have been produced for jurisdictions representing about 60 percent of the Nation’s population. Maps currently under development represent an additional 50 percent of the population. The goal is to produce new flood maps that cover 92 percent of the Nation’s population. New Maps Mean a Safer Public Map Modernization makes flood hazard information available to a wide range of users, including: the public, floodplain managers, developers, and the insurance industry. With the new maps, communities can more efficiently manage flood risks, land use, water resources, disaster mitigation, and disaster recovery operations. Property owners can more reliably assess their flood risks and make decisions about flood insurance based on those risks. Map Modernization Progress In March 2009, FEMA transitioned from its Map Mod program to its Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) program. Mapping efforts begun during Map Mod will continue through completion. What is Risk MAP? Building upon the goals and commitments of FEMA’s Map Modernization program (Map Mod), Risk MAP will produce products and services based on accurate and reliable data delivered through an integrated and collaborative approach. Risk MAP will provide com-munities, and ultimately individuals, with the information and tools they need to identify, assess, and take action to reduce flood risks. For more details on Risk MAP, go to: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/rm_main.shtm. For More Information Properties located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) – areas along the coast, along rivers, and in other low-lying areas and floodplains – are at the highest risk for flooding, but everyone is at some risk. Current flood maps can be viewed on the FEMA Map Service Center website at: http://msc.fema.gov. To speak with a FEMA map specialist, call 1-877- 336-2627. To learn more about flood insurance, visit: http:// www.FloodSmart.gov/floodsmart.