In theRisk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program, each flood risk project is tailored to the needs and capabilities of each affected community and may involve different steps, products and services. This page outlines the major steps in a typical flood risk project. For all projects, a strong emphasis is placed oncommunity engagementand partnerships to ensure awhole community approachto reducing flood risk and building more resilient and sustainable communities.
View a collection of Risk MAP success stories.
Project Planning
Selecting the Project Area
First, with input from state and local leaders, a watershed is reviewed to determine if there may be a need for new or updatedFlood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)or other flood risk products. This decision is based on the current flood risk in the area, available data, increases in development, population affected and other related factors.
Learn about the Coordinated Needs Management Strategy and how it aids in this process.
The Discovery Process
Next, FEMA, state and local leaders collect current and historic flood-related data and then meet to review this data, as part of thediscovery processto get a complete picture of the area’s flood risk. This information helps determine whether a flood risk project is actually needed and, if so, what the scope of the project will be.
View a success story about project planning.
Mapping And Data
Data and Product Development
Once a flood risk project is initiated, FEMA and its mapping partners move forward with preparing the data, maps and flood risk products. These may include the regulatoryFlood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report used for floodplain management and insurance requirements andnon-regulatoryflood risk productswhich can be used by local officials to support mitigation and community planning and public outreach efforts.
FEMA maintainsguidelines and standardsto support the Risk MAP program, including defining requirements for flood risk analysis and mapping products, Letters of Map Change and other Risk MAP data and product development activities.
The Flood Risk Review Meeting
An optional Flood Risk Review Meeting may be organized to give community officials the chance to review and provide early feedback on draft versions of the preliminary FIRM and FIS report and flood risk products. Using the information provided, community officials can begin identifying mitigation measures for their community and communicating with the public about possible changes in flood risk.
The Resilience Meeting
As communities are reviewing the Risk MAP products delivered, the Resilience Meeting takes place, before or after the release of preliminary FIRMs, to help communities plan for the future. During this meeting, FEMA, state and local leaders discuss factors contributing to flooding in the project area, ways the Risk MAP products can support ongoing risk assessment and planning efforts and work to identify additional ways to reduce flood risk.
View a success story about mapping and data.
Preliminary FIRM Issuance
Distribution of Maps and Data
Preliminary versions of the FIRM and FIS report are delivered to community officials and posted publicly throughFEMA’s Flood Map Service Centerfor review and comment. These products will show new or updatedflood hazard data which will affectfloodplain developmentrequirements and/orflood insurancerates in communitiesonce effective.
The Consultation Coordination Officer Meeting and Public Open House
After the release of preliminary FIRMs and FIS reports, FEMA holds meetings to present them first to community officials (Consultation Coordination Officer or CCO Meeting) and then the general public (Open House). Any changes in flood risk will be explained and participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the products.
The 90-Day Appeal Period
After the CCO Meeting, a90-day appeal periodfor communities with new or updated flood hazards begins after apublic notification processis completed. During this period, communities or the public (through their community officials) can submit data to revise the FIRM if they believe it is scientifically or technically incorrect. FEMA will review all appeals and, if necessary, make changes to the FIRM, based on the information submitted.
View a success story about preliminary firm issuance.
Risk Assessment
Flood Risk Products
Risk MAP provides local officials withflood risk products, including risk assessments using FEMA’sHazus-MH software, to help them better understand their flood risk, its potential impact and to guide local mitigation and outreach efforts. These products are usually presented during the Flood Risk Review, CCO and/or Resilience Meetings and are available publicly throughFEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
View a success story about flood risk products.
Effective FIRM And FIS Report Issuance
After all appeals are resolved, FEMA sends community officials a Letter of Final Determination (LFD) six months before the new FIRM and FIS report become effective. During this six-month period,communities must adopt or amend their floodplain management ordinanceto reflect the new maps. Once the new FIRM takes effect, it will be available throughFEMA’s Flood Map Service Centerand will affect floodplain development requirements and/orflood insurancerates.
Planning For Mitigation Action
Theflood risk productsdeveloped as part of a flood risk project are designed to help communities effectively plan tomitigate flood risk. Flood Risk Review, Resilience and CCO Meetings allow FEMA and its partners to provide guidance to local officials to help them identifymitigation opportunitiesthat work for their community.
View a success story about planning for mitigation action.
