Our communities use flood maps to determine local flood risks and set the minimum standards for floodplains so that we can build safely locally. And they also play an influential part in forming flood insurance costs. This specific insurance helps property owners financially protect themselves in case of flood; and typically, the lower the risk of flooding in an area, the lower the insurance cost. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (or FEMA) updates flood maps and rates through the National Flood Insurance Program while working closely with state, tribal, and local governments, communities, and property owners to collect the most current and accurate data available.

Recently, the Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC) was asked to aid FEMA with recommendations and management of the national flood mapping program utilizing “technically credible and scientific practices in identifying flood risk” in the most recent flood insurance reform. This changes a couple of things for us in each community. The Council will act as an advisor of best practices when updating and engaging with property owners regarding changes in the mapping models used to establish flood risk and rates. The law reform also includes a thirty-day period for public comment on the flood map model and any suggested new maps. As property owners, you may also appeal certain maps and receive possible reimbursement.

It is required of FEMA to give Members of Congress proper notification when changes in flood mapping affects constituents in that Member’s district or state. Because of this, Notices to Congress will be sent monthly via the FEMA’s Congressional Affair Division; you can see these notices and check out other mapping updates for any community through the FEMA website, or click here to find out more about the national flood mapping program, see maps, and follow map projects in progress.

It can be overwhelming to know exactly how to keep yourself and your family safe when disaster — like a local flood —strikes. This PDF is a quick checklist of the important documents, such as household identification, financial and legal documentation, medical information, and emergency information, that you should keep safe. Many people use safety deposit boxes for these documents in case of damage to the home.

To find the flood map that pertains to The Woodlands or other particular communities, visit the FEMA portal here.

Article Citation: Federal Emergency Management Agency. (July 24, 2014.) Flood I\insurance reform — mapping flood hazards. U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. Retrieved September 30, 2014 from: http://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance-reform-mapping-flood-hazards.

Picture Citation: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/rmoore/flood_insurance_reforms_in_the.html