How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map Tutorial

How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map Tutorial Developed September 2000 Updated June 2003 Learning Objectives: The Objectives of the tutorial are: 1. To show the various types of flood maps, 2. To describe the elements and symbology on the Flood Insurance Rate Map FIRM, and 3. To explain how to read and use the FIRM Welcome Since the 1970s, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been creating, storing, and updating flood hazard maps for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) communities across the United States. Flood Insurance Rate Maps, known as FIRMs, are the primary tool for state and local governments to mitigate the effects of flooding in their communities. We are pleased to present this guide to Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Throughout this tutorial the common term Flood Map is used to refer to these documents. Using this tutorial in conjunction with the Flood Maps themselves can assist you in deciding whether the potential flood risk for a specific property should be insured against flood loss. The glossary terms used in this tutorial will be listed at the end. FEMA and Flood Insurance In 1968, the US Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Their intent was to reduce future damage and to provide protection for property owners from potential loses through an insurance mechanism that allows a premium to be paid by those most in need of the protection. FEMA produces Flood Insurance Rate Maps that show ...