FEMA References and Flood Maps

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security that aims to help people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA has roughly 20,000 employees that work to ensure that the country is equipped and prepared to respond to disasters.

Floods

A flood is an overflow of water. Floods often happen in areas close to bodies of water such as rivers, brooks, and lakes. While most floods happen near bodies of water, they can occur almost anywhere. Some common causes of floods include periods of heavy rains, poor drainage, and nearby construction projects.

FEMA Flood Maps

Flood maps can be used to help inform which areas have the highest risk of flooding. FEMA maintains and updates their flood maps and risk assessment maps regularly. On flood maps – anything with a 1% chance or higher has at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.

It’s important to note that there is no area that has a 0% chance of flooding, but some areas have significantly lower risks than others.

Using Flood Maps

Flood maps help mortgage lenders determine insurance requirements and help communities develop strategies for reducing their risk. The mapping process helps you and your community understand your flood risk and make more informed decisions about how to reduce or manage your risk.