State of Rhode Island: Emergency Management Agency
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Rhode Island Floodplain Management
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. Seventy-five percent of federal disaster declarations are related to flooding. Flooding in Rhode Island can result from a variety of situations, including spring snow melt combined with heavy rains, coastal storms, or "nor'easters," tropical storms and hurricanes, and the very dangerous potential of dam breeches. In an effort to reduce the losses of life and property associated with flooding and to reduce the rising costs of disaster relief after a flood, the federal government created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Broadly speaking, the NFIP is based on three large principles:
Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is based on an agreement between communities and the Federal government. Through the NFIP, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides maps of hazardous areas and provides federally backed flood insurance. In return, communities agree to enact and enforce floodplain regulations intended to minimize the threats to life and property. All 39 communities in Rhode Island particpate in the NFIP.
Floodplain Management can be confusing, even to those considered to be "in the know." Our webpage intends to answer your many questions and provide useful information to all things flood related.
Upcoming Events
- Association of State Floodplain Managers - 34th Annual Conference, Oklahoma City, Ok
May 16-21, 2010
For more information about upcoming events and other available training opportunities, please refer to our page on Floodplain Related Events and Training.