Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP)

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Video still from Risk MAP testimonial video of a man referencing a Flood Insurance Rate Map.
Hear testimonials from stakeholders regarding the importance of the Risk MAP program in their communities.
Video still from Risk MAP testimonial video of a man referencing a Flood Insurance Rate Map.
Mapped flood zones, regulatory floodway and Base Flood Elevations from the National Flood Hazard Layer and satellite imagery for a small area of New Jersey.
The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official source for FEMA’s flood risk mapping products.
Download MSC products for free, customize email subscriptions, & more.
Mapped flood zones, regulatory floodway and Base Flood Elevations from the National Flood Hazard Layer and satellite imagery for a small area of New Jersey.
Screen shot from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Risk Map Progress website showing funded projects in areas near Charleston, WV.
Risk MAP projects have been funded across the Nation. Learn about projects in your area today by visiting Risk MAP Progress.
Screen shot from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Risk Map Progress website showing funded projects in areas near Charleston, WV.
Project team members show citizens their flood risk via computers at an Okeechobee County, Florida public open house.
Communities are using Risk MAP information and tools to reduce flood risk. See the success stories.
Project team members show citizens their flood risk via computers at an Okeechobee County, Florida public open house.

  • Living near a levee or dam or in a coastal community brings with it unique risks. FEMA resources can help you better understand and reduce that risk.

  • FEMA maintains guidelines and standards to support the Risk MAP program, which define requirements for flood risk analysis and mapping products, Letters of Map Change and other Risk MAP activities.

This page discusses the Risk MAP program and what the program can mean to communities. This page is intended for a variety of audiences, including state and community officials; homeowners, renters and business owners; real estate, lending, insurance professionals; engineers, surveyors and architects.   

What is Risk MAP?

Not only is flooding one of the most common and costly disasters, flood risk can also change over time because of new building and development, weather patterns and other factors. FEMA is working with federal, state, tribal and local partners across the nation to identify flood risk and help reduce that risk through the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program.

Risk MAP provides high quality flood maps and information, tools to better assess the risk from flooding and planning and outreach support to communities to help them take action to reduce (or mitigate) flood risk. Each Risk MAP flood risk project is tailored to the needs of each community and may involve different products and services. Learn more about the goals and long term vision of Risk MAP, how the program works and what it means for you in the sections below.

The Risk MAP Reduce Loss of Life and Property Cycle begins with 1. Identify Risk, through mapping risk data; 2. Assess Risk, through assessing present and future risks (Goal- measure quantifiable risk reduction); 3. Communicate risk, and plan for risk; 4. Mitigate Risk, and then transfer risk and reduce risk. Repeat cycle.

What Does Risk MAP Mean For You? 

Everyone has a role to play when it comes to Risk MAP. While FEMA is responsible for the overall administration of the program, Risk MAP is a joint effort involving many other partners. Visit one of the following pages to learn what Risk MAP means for you.

Risk MAP Projects

What happens during a Risk MAP flood risk project? The Risk MAP Project Lifecycle page explains the different steps that can be involved for flood risk products. 

There are many different flood risk projects underway in communities across the country. You can see if any currently funded projects are in progress in your community through Risk MAP Progress or by contacting your local floodplain administrator (often an official in the zoning or planning department).

FEMA also produces a monthly Notice to Congress update of flood mapping project milestones and estimated schedules as required by recent legislative changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

More Resources

Get more information about the Risk MAP program using the web pages and documents below:

Contact a Map Specialist at the FEMA Map Information eXchange through the following methods, if you have any questions:

  • Call (1-877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) Monday through Friday, 8:00 am through 6:30 pm (EST)
  • Email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
  • Chat with a Map Specialist Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
Last Updated: 
10/06/2014 - 17:06
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