Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flood Map Modernization?
Why do flood maps need to be updated?
Who benefits from Flood Map Modernization?
How is Flood Map Modernization funded?
Who will make Flood Map Modernization happen?
What should I do?

1. What is Flood Map Modernization?

Flood Map Modernization (Map Mod) is FEMA’s approach to updating the Nation’s flood hazard maps. Map Mod will transform flood maps into a more reliable, easier-to-use, and readily available product. Updated, digital flood maps will become the platform for identifying multiple hazards—not just floods. Specifically, Map Mod will achieve the following goals:

Create a premier hazard map collection and technically advanced delivery system to support risk management.
Achieve effective program management by sharing responsibilities and aligning partner missions.
Build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships by communicating hazard risk information.
Establish better understanding of where to obtain flood hazard data and how to use the information for sound mitigation decisions.

2. Why do flood maps need to be updated?

Reliable information about risks is the first step in preventing and reducing losses. In emergency management, risk information is key to mitigation. Flood maps are a powerful tool for mitigation and referenced an estimated 20 million times annually. Today, many of the Nation’s flood maps are outdated, severely limiting their usefulness.

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3. Who benefits from Flood Map Modernization?

Everyone. An estimated 30 million Americans are at high risk from flooding, and almost every American is at some degree of flood risk. Communities and developers use flood maps to determine safe areas in which to build. Insurance agents and lenders use flood maps to determine which properties are floodprone. Home and business owners use flood maps to determine their flood risk and protect their property.

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4. How is Flood Map Modernization funded?

As part of the Nation’s effort to reduce the damages and costs of flooding, Congress appropriated funding to update flood maps across the entire country. In some areas, State and local governments participate in the funding as well. Map Mod is not financed by flood insurance policies. By committing to this multi-year mapping effort, the Nation will save an estimated $45 billion dollars over the next 50 years.

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5. Who will make Flood Map Modernization happen?

Map Mod is a collaborative process and a new way of doing business for government officials, cutting across all layers of government. Officials and other stakeholders will be active in the mapping process (e.g., collecting, updating, and adopting data). Local engineering companies are contracted to do the mapping and determine where the high, medium, and low flood risk zones are located. The maps are reviewed and adopted by the local government and FEMA. Leveraging partnerships will allow States and communities to choose their level of involvement.

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6. What should I do?

Learn your flood risk and protect your property. Everyone is at risk from flooding, even properties that are not located in floodplains. You may view flood maps on the FEMA Flood Map Store. You may view copies of the effective flood map for any community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at the Community Map Repository, which is usually maintained by the community floodplain administrator or officials at the planning and zoning office. You may also order copies of the effective flood maps by calling FEMA’s Map Service Center (MSC) toll free at (800) 358-9616.

Floods occur, with all too tragic frequency, in areas designated at moderate or minimal flood risk. In fact, about 25 percent of all flood insurance claims occur in these areas. Additionally, homeowners insurance does not cover flood damages. That is why FEMA encourages you to maintain flood insurance coverage, even if you are not required to do so by law. The good news is that you may be eligible to pay much less for flood insurance coverage if you property is located outside a floodplain. Contact your insurance agent to discuss the pricing benefits. You may also want to consider improvements to your home or property to reduce your chances of a financial loss because of flooding. Activities range from raising the fuse box from the basement to an upper floor to elevating the entire house. For information visit, FloodSmart.

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