New Maps for 21 Million U.S. Residents

As part of the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Flood Map Modernization (Map Mod) Program, new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMS) for more than 21 million people have or will become effective during the next several months. These maps will affect more than 900 communities in approximately 30 States and include large, metropolitan areas such Los Angeles, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Balitmore, Maryland.

As the new DIRMS become effective, flood risk designations for many properties are subject to change. This means home and business owners may have questions about whether they are eligible for or should purchase flood insurance. Current policyholders may also have questions about selecting the best policy and need clarification on the policy rate changes.

As a result, it is important for community officials and insurance agents to know when new flood hazard maps will become effective for their communities and how to communicate risk appropriately. A schedule of map effective dates is posted on the FEMA website. Tools for communicating about the FEMA Map Mod Program are available.

The FEMA Map Mod program is a multi-year effort to provide new DFIRMs for 92 percent of the U.S. population. The new maps are more reliable, easier to use, and more readily available than paper maps.

Michael Godesky is the Mapping Program Area Manager in the FEMA Mitigation Directorate, Risk Analysis Division. The Risk Analysis Division is responsible for the updating of flood hazard maps. Mr. Godesky coordinates national production schedules and develops procedures that impact map quantity and quality. He has worked in the field of flood hazard mapping for 10 years.