Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps

What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and how do I use it?* A FIRM is a map created by the NFIP for floodplain management and insurance purposes. Digital versions of these maps are called DFIRMs. A FIRM will generally show a community's base flood elevations, flood zones, and floodplain boundaries. As a property owner/renter, this map is used to get a reliable indication of what flood zone they are in. However, maps are constantly being updated due to changes in geography, construction and mitigation activities, and meteorological events. Therefore, for a truly accurate determination, contact an insurance agent or your community floodplain manager. *Source: Floodsmart.gov

Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps FEMA updates community FIRMs ~ 10 years Contracts with a private sector engineering company to conduct hydraulic/hydrologic modeling (in our case Taylor Engineering) Contractor works with local communities to collect historic flood information/high water marks Current FIRMs dated 2002/2003 Based on USGS 5 foot contour maps Old data (circa 1980’s)

Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps New FIRMs based on county LiDAR data (Light Detection And Ranging) LiDAR is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system— generate precise, three- dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.

Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Result is extremely accurate topographic data (LiDAR scanners can generally scan with an accuracy of about 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) at an elevation of 4,000 feet) Reduces mapping effort and increases efficiency and accuracy State-of-the-art science Particularly important because of Biggert-Waters NFIP Reform Act of 2012 Preliminary maps become effective February 19, 2014

New Flood Insurance Rate Maps