What to Know When Your Flood Hazard Maps Change

With Map Modernization and Risk MAP, Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are being updated and changed. In some cases, the data the maps are based on is changing. What does this mean to you?

The Process of Changing the Maps

The process of updating and changing FIRMs takes a LONG time. This means that you, as a property owner, have lots of time to learn how you will be affected. Here's the process in a simplified, 'quick and dirty' way: FEMA hires mapping contractors. Mapping contractors undertake studies and begin changing the maps. Once changes are complete, FEMA releases Preliminary FIRMs to communities. Communities review the maps for errors and other problems. Mapping contractors correct errors, if necessary. FEMA releases Letter of Final Determination (this is the letter stating that the Preliminary maps will become effective in 6 months). Six months later the maps become effective.

The bottom line is that proposed maps are in a "Preliminary" state for at least seven months, often times much longer. This is the time when you can review the maps and learn how your property will be impacted.

What Are the Impacts?

There are three basic impacts:

1. The flood risk to your property remains the same.
2. The flood risk to your property has increased.
3. The flood risk to your property has decreased.

Typically, people are most concerned with impact number 2 - increased flood risk. Why? Because this means you need flood insurance and/or a more expensive flood insurance policy.

What Do I Do?

Check the current status of map updates in the state of Rhode Island.

If there are Preliminary FIRMs available for your community:

First and foremost, look at the maps! Find out what the current, effective map says for your property (You can search by address at FEMA's Map Service Center). Then, go to your local town hall and find out what the proposed map says. Talk to the your community's Local NFIP Coordinator about the flood hazard zone your property is in.

Once you've determined what type of impact the maps will have on your property, talk to your insurance provider. They can help answer questions about flood insurance. The bottom line is that if the maps show your property in a flood hazard zone (AE, AO, AH, VE), and you have a federally back loan or mortgage and/or line of credit, you will be required to carry flood insurance. There are options to reduce the premium you will be required to pay on your flood insurance policy. Check out the following documents to learn more:

• FEMA Grandfather Rule
• FEMA Grandfathering Fact Sheet
• Raise Your Home, Lower Your Monthly Payments (MA CZM Stormsmart)
• Protect Your Property from Flooding - Construction techniques that protect and minimize flooding may decrease your premium

 

If FIRMs have recently been revised (i.e. there are only Effective maps available):

Chances are that you may not have even realized the maps were changing and you recently received a letter from your bank or lender. Don't worry, you still have options. Click on our insurance page to learn what to do after you've received that letter. If you have continuously maintained flood insurance on your property, you may still have the option to apply for a grandfathered rate. Talk to your insurance provider about the possibilities. You will need a copy of the historical FIRM to prove you were previously in a lower risk zone. FEMA's Map Service Center contains digital images of Flood Hazard Boundary Maps (FHBMs) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that are no longer the most recently issued version. Check here for the historic maps.