This Is the Map Service Center

Are you looking for information about flood maps? Do you need a FIRMette? Do you know what a FIRMette is?

Answers to these and other questions are on the FEMA website in the FEMA Map Service Center (MSC). This website has information for renters and homeowners, real estate and insurance agents, engineers, surveyors, and others.

One-Stop Shopping

Many of the resources available at the MSC site can be downloaded without a fee. Although paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) will cost the buyer, various electronic maps (FIRMettes) are available to view and print for free. The price is reasonable for products that are available at a cost, and some users may be exempt from paying some of the costs.

One of the most useful aspects of the MSC website is the Public Flood Map (the first option shown in the Product Search box at the upper left corner of the screen). All users need to do is enter their full address to see the FIRM for their area. Map viewing features include a zoom in and out and movement from North, West, South, and East. The MSC site also includes links to the NFIP Community Status Book and the FEMA Flood Map Status page.

Besides creating tailored flood maps, you can also find Digital FIRM (DFIRM) Databases, a DFIRM Viewer, and links to documents, publications, and forms related to mapping.

Are you looking for the definitions of FEMA flood zone designations? You can find these on the MSC website. Are you looking for information on Letters of Map Change (LOMC)? You’ll find it on the MSC website, too.

Updates to Mapping Products

The MSC has a program that allows users to receive the most current revisions to maps as soon as they become available. You can choose to receive the latest maps for the entire U.S., a State, or even a county. The MSC offers subscriptions for CMAL (as received), FMSIS (monthly) and LOMC (bi-monthly). To learn more about these programs or enroll, contact the MSC Customer Service Department at 1-800-358-9616.

Susan Bernstein is the Editor of Watermark and also works with NFIP Legislation issues.