Watermark
National Flood Insurance Program
2003, Number 2

Contents

Changes to the NFIP	1
Easy E-Notification! 	1
Message from the Administrator 	2
10 Years Ago	7
FEMA's New Home	8
Selling Flood Runs in the Family	9
Protect Your Agency	10 
Multi-Hazard Mapping	12
FEMA Outreach to CAI	13
Safe and Sound	14
Insuring a Dream	17
Seasonal Campaigns	18
Adjuster Cards	19
Hurricane Watch	20
Hurricane Review of 2002	25
2003 Hurricane Forecast	26
Participation and Compliance	27
Tuning Up the NFIP	29
35 Years of NFIP Highlights	30
WYO Why Is the NFIP so FIRM?	32
Just Around the Bend	33 
State Stats Tables	34
Re:Sources	39

Message from the Administrator 
Dear Watermark Reader, 
As I approach the end of my first year with the Mitigation Division, Emergency 
Preparedness and Response, in the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Im 
excited about how our role is shaping up.  As you may know, FEMA officially became 
part of the Department of Homeland Security on March 1. 
Our mission at the NFIP is to use the relationships we have developed over the years in 
the insurance and mitigation fields to help make America more secure. We will build on 
these relationships to promote prevention, protection, and partnerships at the Federal, 
State, local, and individual levels to lessen the social and economic impact of disasters. 
Over the next year or so, I will use Watermark as a vehicle for informing you about the 
tools that we at FEMA plan to use to reach our goals. 
For more about our specific roles in the Department of Homeland Security, take a look at 
the article about the new department on page 8.
As always, we seek to prevent harm from a wide variety of disasters through hazard 
awareness and mitigation. The last 2 years have shown us that we must broaden our 
approach beyond natural hazards to man-made hazards as well. We are doing that. Core 
responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security are to prepare for and respond to 
emergencies and disasters of all kinds and to bring about scientific and technological 
advances to reduce the vulnerability of our national infrastructure from hazards. I am 
proud to report that our mitigation capability is well developed to address both issues
preparation and response. We also have enough expertise in mitigation sciences and 
technologies to take a leadership role in protecting the nation and our vital infrastructures.
People can prepare only if they have relevant, accurate, and timely information. We 
believe we can help Americans to better prepare through all-hazard risk management to 
identify, assess, and mitigate risks. We will continue to build on our awareness and 
training network to give all Americans the information they need to be strong and 
prepared.  
Finally, one of the key tools to helping assure our security is our partnerships with 
government at all levels, with private industry and organizations, and with individual 
citizens. We have worked with all of these constituencies for the entire 35 years of the 
National Flood Insurance Programs history, and we look forward to developing these 
partnerships further. 
We will continue to focus on our three basic goals of flood hazard mitigation, map 
modernization, and insurance issues such as increasing our insurance policy base. I hope 
that, as we take on new goals, our knowledge and relationships grow and flourish in 
proportion and that we can use those assets for the benefit of the nation.
Sincerely,

Anthony S. Lowe
Administrator
National Flood Insurance Program

Watermark is published three times a year by the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Editor
Susan Bernstein

Writer
Lynd Morris

Graphic Design
Glenn H. Martin

We welcome your comments and suggestions, as well as submissions for articles and 
departments. In addition, we encourage you to reproduce articles and departments 
contained in the Watermark and include them in your own newsletters or other 
communications. Send your questions, comments, suggestions, and submissions to:

Susan Bernstein
FEMA
Room 441
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Members of Congress, please write to:

FEMA
Office of Congressional Affairs
Room 820
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

If you would like to receive additional copies of this publication or know of someone 
who would like to be on our mailing list, fax your request to 301-918-1471 or mail your 
request to:

Watermark Subscriptions
NFIP Bureau & Statistical Agent
P.O. Box 710
Lanham, MD 20703-0710

Please send changes of address, name, title, etc., to the fax number or the address above. 
The current issue and selected back issues of Watermark  are available at:
www.fema.gov/nfip/wm.shtm

Changes to the NFIP
Effective May 1, 2003, NFIP premium rates have been modified and several changes 
have been made to clarify procedures described in the Flood Insurance Manual. In 
addition,  the Elevation Certificate has been revised, and a number of communities have 
improved their class in the NFIPs incentive programthe Community Rating System 
(CRS). 
Rates Adjusted
Flood insurance premiums have increased an average of 2.6 percent for policies written 
or renewed on or after May 1, 2003. The premium increases vary by zone as described on 
page 3. These rate changes are reflected in the RATE, CONDO, PRP, and MPPP sections 
of the manual.
Expense Constant Eliminated
As of May 1, 2003, the Expense Constant has been eliminated. NFIP application forms, 
rate tables, and text throughout the manual have been revised to reflect this change.
The Expense Constant was a flat fee that policyholders had been charged on each new or 
renewal policy to defray Federal expenses related to flood insurance.
Deductible Options Increased
On pages CONDO 22 and RATE 13, adjustments have been made to the Deductible 
Factors tables to reflect several new options. The RCBAP deductible options now include 
$10,000 and $25,000. The Dwelling Form and General Property Form deductible options 
for "non-residential" and "other residential" buildings now include $10,000, $25,000, and 
$50,000.  
ICC Coverage Boosted
Effective May 1, the limit of liability under the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) 
coverage was increased to $30,000 without any change to premiums. Under the 
liberalization clause of the policy, all policyholders had their limit increased effective 
May 1.
The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) pays for complying with State or local 
floodplain management ordinances affecting repair or reconstruction of buildings that 
have been damaged by flood. Previously, up to $20,000 of ICC coverage had been 
available to property owners who opted to elevate, floodproof, relocate, or demolish 
insured buildings that had sustained substantial flood damage. 
ICC funds may be used as a matching source for the Flood Mitigation Assistance 
Program (FMA), the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM), and the Hazard Mitigation 
Grant Program (HMGP).  
Tour the Remaining Changes
Agents, pull out your Flood Insurance Manual (or access it on line at 
www.fema.gov/nfip/manual.shtm), and lets walk through the remaining May 1 changes 
and how they may affect you.
Reference Section
The Flood Insurance Manual opens with a reference section that provides background 
and contact information for the NFIP. Several changes have been made to the telephone, 
fax, and web site listings included on pages REF 3 and 4. The recently updated telephone 
numbers also are listed on the tear-off flap at the end of Watermark.
On page REF 7, the manual lists the amount of time anticipated to perform selected NFIP 
paperwork tasks. A revision has been made to the number of hours projected to complete 
the 
V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form. It is now expected to take approximately 
6 hours to complete this form.
General Rules Section
The next section of the manual is devoted to general rules. Following are several 
revisions to this section that became effective May 1.
Greenhouses and Hot Tubs
Section VII on page GR 6 provides examples of risks that are not eligible for NFIP 
coverage. Text was added to this section to explain that greenhouses, normally ineligible 
for coverage, may qualify if they have at least two rigid walls and a roof. Hot tubs and 
spas have been added to the list of ineligible risks, though they may qualify for coverage 
if they are installed as bathroom fixtures. 
RCBAP Waiting Period
Section VIII reviews rules governing a policys effective date. On page GR 8, a new 
paragraph (C.5.) has been added to affirm that the 30-day waiting period before a policy 
goes into effect also applies to a condominium association purchasing a Residential 
Condominium Building Association Policy (RCBAB) unless the coverage is in response 
to the NFIPs mandatory purchase requirement.
Application Section
The next section in the manual provides information about filling out the flood insurance 
application form.
Crawl Space
Section II, page APP 1 describes the choices listed in the building section on the front of 
the application form. Bullet 5 in this section notes elevation information. Text was added 
to this bullet to clarify that elevated buildings with enclosures may include crawl spaces. 
Rating Section 
See a description of the rate table changes in the table provided on 
page 3.
Condominiums Section
In addition to the rate changes and global changes caused by elimination of the Expense 
Constant and higher limits of ICC coverage, deductible  options for condominiums now 
include $10,000 and $25,000. 
Lowest Floor Guide Section
Five pages have been added to this section of the manual. The new pages provide 
diagrams that illustrate subgrade crawl spaces and garages with openings on elevated 
buildings. 
Special Certifications Section
This section of the manual provides detailed instructions for completing the NFIP 
Floodproofing Certificate and the NFIP Elevation Certificate (EC). Included in this 
section is a copy of the EC form.
As shown on page CERT 10, a new item (E4.) regarding machinery and equipment has 
been added to Section E of the Elevation Certificate. Instructions for the new item are 
provided on page CERT 14
Surveyors often dont enter a building when taking elevation measurements. However, if 
the building has a basement, sunken living room, split-level construction, or machinery 
and equipment, it is important that the surveyor take elevation measurements inside the 
building. The instructions for Section C on page CERT 12 have been rewritten to guide 
surveyors taking measurements in these situations. Details also have been added for 
taking measurements in situations in which surveyors cannot gain access to crawl spaces 
to shoot the elevation of the crawl space floor.
Also in Section C, a line was added to the instructions for item C1. on page CERT 13 that 
asks surveyors to use a Comments section to provide elevations obtained from 
construction plans or drawings. 
Surveyors are now directed in the instructions for items C3.f-g to use a Comments 
section to provide lowest adjacent grade measurements if the EC will serve as 
documentation for a Letter of Map Amendment or Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill. 
A line was also added to the instructions for items C3.h-i that explains how to note 
whether flood vents are in the foundation walls supporting the building and/or in the 
walls of the attached garage.
The instructions for Section E on page CERT 14 address building elevation information 
in cases in which a survey is not required for Zones AO and Zone A (without BFE). A 
line has been added to the instructions for item E1. that directs surveyors to use a 
Comments section to indicate whether the elevation measurement was based on the 
"natural grade."
PRP and MPPP Sections
Other than rate changes and the global changes caused by elimination of the Expense 
Constant and higher limits of ICC coverage, there were no additional updates to these 
sections of the manual.
General Change Endorsement Section
A new item D has been added to the explanation of endorsement rules on page END 2. 
Entitled "Changing Property Locations," the text emphasizes that NFIP policies cannot be 
endorsed to change the location of coverage, even from one unit to another in the same 
building, unless the endorsement is correcting an erroneous address.
A new bullet has been added on page END 3 to the "Preparation of Form" section that 
spells out the conditions under which the insured must sign a General Change 
Endorsement form.
Policy Renewals Section
On page REN 1, a new numbered item has been added to C, the section that lists the 
situations in which NFIP renewal invoices will not be generated. Now included on the list 
are "Section 1316" properties (such as those subject to continuous flooding caused by 
closed basin lakes).
Please note that all references to the old 3-year policy have been removed.
Cancellation/Nullification Section
Section I.B provides Reason Codes for the cancellation or nullification of NFIP policies. 
A couple of Reason Codes in this section were eliminated. Text has been added on page 
CN 2 to Reason Code 4, "Duplicate NFIP Policies," to clarify when the NFIP will allow 
cancellation of duplicate coverage that was force placed under the Mortgage Portfolio 
Protection Program. 
On page CN 3, a line has been added to Reason Code 10, "Condominium Policy (Unit or 
Association) Converting to RCBAP," that provides the specific terms under which 
duplicate coverage can occur. Duplicate coverage occurs when the unit owner policy 
and the RCBAP limits are more than the cost of the unit, up to the maximum limits of the 
program.
Claims and Policy Sections
Other than the global changes caused by elimination of the Expense Constant and higher 
limits of ICC coverage, there were no additional changes to these sections of the manual.
Flood Maps Section 
The web site address of FEMAs Map Service Center (MSC) has been added to page 
MAP 1. The first paragraph about how to order maps on page MAP 3 has been rewritten 
to include information about the new digital FIRMettes available through the MSC web 
site (see page 17 of the Summer 2002 Watermark for a description of the FIRMettes and 
how to access them).
Prices for the paper maps have gone up, as have the costs to ship them. The new prices 
are noted in the "Prices" section on page MAP 3 and in greater detail in the table of MSC 
products and services on page MAP 5.
Provisional Rating and CBRS Sections
Other than the global changes caused by elimination of the Expense Constant and higher 
limits of ICC coverage, there were no additional changes to these sections of the manual.
Community Rating System Section
The following tables summarize CRS changes as of May 1, 2003. 

The first table lists the class ratings and premium discounts of the 20 communities that 
have joined the CRS since October 2002.
	Number of New Communities	Entering Class Rating	Premium Discount
	10	9	5%
	8	8	10%
	2	7	15%
The second table lists the numbers of communities that improved their class rating by one 
since October 2002.
	Number of Communities	Class Change	New Premium Discount
		10	9 to 8	10%
		6	8 to 7	15%
		2	7 to 6	20%
Three communities engaged in mitigation activities that warranted so many credit points 
that their rating leapfrogged over an entire class. These communities earned significantly 
improved discounts for area policyholders.
	Community		Class Change	Premium Discount Change
	Bozeman, Montana	9 to 7	5-15%
	Wayne County, North Carolina	9 to 7	5-15%
	Myrtle Beach, South Carolina	7 to 5	15-25%
As of May 1, 2003, there were 978 CRS communities spread throughout the United 
States.
Repetitive Loss Properties Section
 Text has been added to the "Notification Requirements" section on page RL 1 to explain 
that policies are transferred out of the Special Direct Facility as appeals are successful 
and FEMA or its designee approves properties for mitigation.
The notification letters on pages RL 2 and 4 were fine-tuned to emphasize that properties 
are identified as belonging to the Repetitive Loss Target Group if they meet the loss 
criteria based on paid losses since 1978, regardless of ownership. 
Definitions Section
There is a new definition for Repetitive Loss Structure on page  DEF 8. According to the 
new definition, a Repetitive Loss Structure is "An NFIP-insured structure that has had at 
least two paid flood losses of more than $1,000 each in any 10-year period since 1978."
Time to Resubscribe
Twice each year, the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual is updated to reflect changes in the 
Program. Subscribers are sent printed copies of the revised pages to insert into their 
manual binder.
Every 2 years, the entire manual is revised to integrate the Programs most recent rate and 
rule changes. The updated May 2003 Flood Insurance Manual is now available through 
FEMAs Map Service Center (MSC) for $25.00. 
To subscribe and receive future manual updates through December 31, 2004, call the 
MSC at 800-358-9616. A copy of the manual order form can be found on the FEMA web 
site (www.fema.gov/msc/orderfrm.pdf).
The full Flood Insurance Manual can be accessed and printed free of charge at the NFIP 
web site (www.fema.gov/nfip/manual.shtm)

Easy E-Notification!
Save time, save paper! Read the NFIPs Watermark newsletter online weeks before the 
printed publication is delivered to others through the U.S. Postal Service. 
Visit the NFIP web site (www.fema.gov/nfip) to sign up for the NFIP e-mail subscription 
list. Click on the mailbox icon located in the lower left corner of the NFIP home page to 
access the subscription sign-up screen. Enter your name and e-mail address in the 
appropriate boxes. Select your affiliation from among the following NFIP stakeholder 
constituencies.

Claims Adjuster	Lender 
Consumer	Real Estate Agent
Federal Government	State or Local Official
Flood Zone Determination Company	Surveyor  
Government Sponsored Enterprise	Other
Insurance Professional/Agent/Company

Make sure that the default "Subscribe" option is selected at the bottom of the screen, then 
click the "Submit" button. Thats all there is to it!
As soon as the next Watermark is placed on the NFIP web site, you will receive an e-mail 
message containing a link to the newsletter. If, at a later date, you wish to cancel this free 
service, you may do so at the same screen by selecting the "Unsubscribe" option before 
clicking the "Submit" button.
In addition to notification that the latest Watermark has been placed on the NFIP web 
site, you will periodically receive e-mail messages containing the newest information and 
updates about flood insurance and the NFIP.

Spring came in like a lion in 1993, but it refused to go out like a lamb. Day after day, 
heavy rainfall blanketed the nations midsection. Summer arrived, and driving rain 
continued to soak the Midwest. And it kept raining. Rivers and streams crept higher and 
higher, breaching their banks and flowing into a nine-state region that stretched more 
than 800 miles long and 500 miles across at its widest point. In some locations, flooding 
lasted for nearly 200 days. As many as 150 major rivers and tributaries were affected; 14 
rivers reported record crests. Several of these riversthe Mississippi and the Missouri
are among the largest in the nation. 
Of more than a thousand levees built to hold back the floodwaters, 800 were breached. At 
least 75 entire communities were submerged. According to a report issued by the 
National Weather Service, 50 people died as a result of the floods, tens of thousands of 
people were evacuated (many for months, some never to return to their homes), at least 
10,000 homes were destroyed, and damages approached $15 billion. 
On "The List"
The Great Midwest Flood of 1993 ranks sixth among FEMAs list of top ten disasters. A 
total of 534 counties in nine states received federal disaster aid, and more than $1.17 
billion was provided in disaster assistance from FEMA. Hardest hit was Iowa, where 
each of the 99 counties in the state received a federal disaster declaration. 
In addition to disaster assistance, federal agencies such as the Small Business 
Administration and the Farm Service Agency and private relief organizations such as the 
American Red Cross provided loans and grants to help facilitate disaster recovery in 
affected communities.

1993:2003
According to Census Bureau figures, there were more than 12.7 million households in the 
nine states that flooded during the spring and summer of 1993. When the rains began in 
April, 87,456 NFIP policies were in force in the affected states. By the time the 
floodwaters receded and all insurance claims were closed, the NFIP had paid more than 
$319 million for almost 16,800 losses. More than 15 percent of these losses were in B, C, 
and 
X Zones, where flood insurance is recommended but not required for properties with 
federally backed mortgages.
There are now more than 14.1 million households in the nine states that endured the 
Great Midwest Flood of 1993. The NFIP policy base in this region also has grown during 
the last decade. At the beginning of April 2003, there were 129,886 NFIP policies in 
force in this area.
What will happen the next time the rain refuses to stop

FEMA is one of the agencies that have become a part of the new Department of 
Homeland Security. Although the primary mission of the Department of Homeland 
Security is preventing terrorism against the United States, a major continuing role is 
planning for and facilitating recovery from man-made and natural hazardsFEMAs 
principal area of responsibility. And, while floods are one of the leading natural hazards 
affecting the U.S., we do a lot more than just mitigate against and respond to floods.
Our work with emergency preparedness, mitigation, and response continues in the 
context of todays realities. We will exercise authority over federal programs for local 
and State first responders (fire, police, emergency medical personnel) in the event of 
disasters and focus on risk mitigation in advance of emergencies by promoting disaster-
resistant communities.
In the new Department of Homeland Security, our emphasis has been broadened to 
encompass even more man-made disasters. We now lead the national response to 
biological attack and coordinate other federal assets such as the National Guard. In 
addition, we will develop an extensive national incident management system for 
responding to natural disasters and to acts of terrorism.
The Department of Homeland Security will build on FEMAs past efforts to reduce the 
loss of life and property and to protect the nations institutions through a comprehensive, 
risk-based, all-hazards emergency management program of preparedness, mitigation, 
response, and recovery. We will change the emergency management culture from 
reactive to proactivethats something the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
has been doing for a long time. The Agency will also coordinate a national effort to 
secure critical U.S. infrastructure, which includes energy, transportation, banking and 
finance, and dams. National coordination is essential because many of these support 
systems are privately owned. For example, more than 65 percent of the dams in the 
United States are under private ownership.  
FEMAs responsibilities for the NFIP, disaster response and recovery, and mitigation are 
overseen by the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of the Undersecretary for 
Emergency Preparedness and Response. Government programs such as the NFIP exist 
because there is a need. No matter what its platformflood insurance has been in HUD 
and FEMAthe NFIP has responded to the needs of the American public without 
missing a beat and it will continue to do so as part of the Department of Homeland 
Security. 

Edward Pasterick is the Chief of the Industry Performance Branch of FEMAs Mitigation 
Division and has been active in the NFIP for almost 30 years.

"Are you nuts? Why would you want to write a flood policy? It payswhat? Ten- 
dollars-per-policy commission? And you have to deal with the government and all those 
goofy forms and regs?"
"Look, my customer has to have it and nobody else wants to write it. Besides, sometimes 
a 10-dollar bill looks as big as a bed sheet to me." 
This was my introduction to the flood insurance program back in 1973. It was a challenge 
I accepted to help a customer in need. In those daysnot just before computers but even 
before inexpensive, electronic calculatorsit was indeed a challenge. 
Over the years, the process got better, the commissions got higher, and my hard-won 
experience and great staff got me known as "The Flood Guy." Many agents in Atlanta, 
Georgia, had only two or three requests for flood insurance each year and felt that this did 
not justify having to manage the manuals, maps, bulletins, and rates and to keep up with 
the changes in all of them. So, they sent their clients to me. 
My stockroom shelves were loaded with maps from floor to ceiling. Since a lot of those 
maps did not show street names, wed place a flood map beside a street map, follow the 
shapes and contours of the roads and creeks to determine a street name, and then try to 
locate the property on the flood map.
In the early days, nobody knew what they were doingnot the customers, not the agents, 
not the mortgagees, and not the lawyers. In the beginning, even the NFIP didnt know 
what to do, but we all muddled through. Some surveyors did not know what a flood 
elevation was. At times, agents would quote the highest possible rate they could find to 
keep from underquoting. The fact that my quotes were lower and, more importantly, 
correct, got me a lot of business from lenders and attorneys. Everybody is smarter now 
and better organized. Pity, it was more fun the old way!
Like most things, when it becomes familiar, it becomes easy. The agency and the flood 
business prospered. Twenty-three years later, I retired. My book of flood business was 
substantial, considering our area. Atlanta is not coastal, so we had only rivers and creeks 
to contend with. Our flood book was not as big as those of agencies insuring in hurricane 
country, but it wasnt chopped liver either. 
My daughter, Cindy Sisk, had worked with me before she took over the business, and it 
grew handsomely under her skill and care. Now running the business in McConough, 
Georgia, under the name of the Sisk Agency, Cindy has become known as "The Flood 
Gal." She says that she likes it when my old friends call her and tell her that they now 
count on her to be their flood source. According to Cindy, "Its nice to be able to offer an 
area of expertise to my fellow agents, some of whom I have known since childhood!"
Last year, my enterprising granddaughterwho maintains a 4.0 grade point average in 
collegeasked me if I would start another insurance agency so she can run it and grow it 
when she graduates. I knew insurance, I had all of the licenses, I had spare time, and I 
could work for nothing. I was the obvious choice for the job. We cut a deal. I would get 
the agency started if she would maintain that 4.0 GPA.
I am back in the insurance business again. Ive returned to my love, NFIP flood 
insurance. The government wants the agents to sell the policies to those who need them. 
The agents want to sell the policies to those who need them. I foresee a day when these 
two parties will merge their interests and a Golden List of uninsured addresses in the 
floodplain will become available. Agents will be off to a flying start with thousands of 
prospects who really need what we are selling. Until then, well just keep working it out. 
I wonder if my great-granddaughter will want an insurance agency, too?

Tom Martin, CLU and CPCU, began selling insurance in 1963 in suburban Atlanta, 
Georgia. He sold his first flood policy in 1973. Although he retired in 1996, Martin 
restarted his insurance career in 2002. 

Protect Your Agency 
Melanie Ross-Padron, Bankers Insurance Group
One in four businesses that close after a natural disaster never reopens. Its sad, but true. 
While you cant stop floods, you can prevent flood losses from closing down your 
insurance agency forever. By taking simple steps before and after a storm, you can 
minimize your property loss, reduce the disruption of your business, and restore your 
agency to full operation faster.  
Steps to Take Now
The most important element of protecting your agency from flood losses is to make sure 
you have sufficient flood coverage. An NFIP flood insurance policy for your building
including contents coverage for your office equipment, furnishings, electronics, and other 
itemsprovides comprehensive coverage.  
Once your coverage is in place, review and update it annually. Then follow the steps 
below to minimize your losses, expedite your insurance settlement, and restore your 
agency operation.
Create an itemized inventory
Make a detailed list of property, including furnishings, electronics, equipment, and 
supplies. Include manufacturers names/model names/serial numbers, dates and places of 
purchase, and prices paid. Locate receipts or other proofs of purchase, especially for 
major items. Attach photographs of costly items, as well as shots of the interior and 
exterior of your building. Keep copies of your receipts and photographs off site.
Develop a catastrophe plan
Meet with your staff and identify what will need to be done if your office cannot be used. 
Clearly outline each task and assign it to a staff member. If you have personnel changes 
during the year, make sure that new staff members become knowledgeable about your 
catastrophe plan. Keep a copy of your catastrophe plan off site. 
Identify backup location(s) 
Flooding could make your office unusable. If this happens, you will need one or more 
alternative locations to continue operations. Make arrangements now for any alternative 
business sites you might need. Write out the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of 
your alternative sites. Keep a copy of this list off site.  
Provide for basic services
Make arrangements with your Internet service provider, electric and telephone 
companies, office equipment dealer, office supply vendor, and other business partners to 
provide service in an emergency. Find out what their capabilities are and how fast they 
can get services up and running at alternative locations. Document these arrangements by 
listing the company, contact name, phone, fax, and email information, and any notes 
regarding emergency services. Keep a copy of this list off site. You may want to purchase 
a gas- or diesel-powered electrical generator to provide backup power in an emergency.

Create a store of emergency supplies
After a storm, goods and materials may be in short supplyif available at all. Gathering 
these basic supplies now is crucial. Catastrophe provisions should include: a 1- to 2-week 
supply of water for drinking and for washing hands; paper towels and tissues; first aid kit; 
extension cords; heavy plastic sheeting and heavy trash bags; batteries; cell phones; and 
portable lights.  
Keep files up to date 
Set up a system for frequently backing up your computer files. Daily or weekly backups 
will do the trick. The worst time to find out that your information is out of date is when a 
storm hits and youre working to keep your agency operational. Keep copies of your 
backups off site.
Tell customers about your business continuity plan
Send stuffers or separate mailings to customers indicating their options, "In the event that 
severe weather disrupts our office operations." Writing scripts in advance for outgoing 
messages on your telephone is also a smart idea. Once phone service is restored, your 
outgoing message should advise callers how to file their claims. 
Steps to Take as the Flood Approaches
Safety is always the most important consideration. Dont stay at your agency when the 
situation becomes dangerous.  

While you still have time, take the following steps:
	Back up all computer data.
	Pre-print ACORD forms. 
	File everything away. Secure all documents, computer disks, files, etc.
		Move as many items as possible (including modems, power strips, files, 
and books) from the floor to desktops, shelves, or other high surfaces.
	Cover furnishings and equipment with heavy plastic sheeting or trash bags.
		Unplug all electronics and turn off the utilities.
		Board up windows or install shutters.
		Place sandbags around doors to keep rainwater from blowing in.
		Place towels around windows to keep wind-driven rain out.
		Leave! Take evacuation orders seriously.
Steps to Take After the Storm
If your agency has flood damage, an orderly cleanup will save time, work, and money. 
Its a long and difficult process at best, but a common-sense approach will help speed 
your insurance settlement, which in turn will help restore your agency operations sooner. 
Use caution when returning to your agency
Remember, flooding is the nations number-one weather-related killer. Only 2 to 6 inches 
of swiftly moving water can sweep a person away, and 2 feet of water can float a car!  
Once its safe to return to your agency, check first to see that the power is turned off: 
electricity travels through water. Be sure to wear heavy, 
rubber boots to protect yourself from electrical shock and contaminated floodwater.
Document the damage 
Make a quick survey of the damage and call your insurance carrier to report your flood 
claim. Then, prevent further water damage by putting temporary tarps over roof leaks and 
attaching plastic over cracked windows. 
Next, take photographs of everything "as is"interior and exteriorto show the water 
level and extent of damage to walls, furniture, flooring, and contents. Locate the contents 
inventory list you made before the flood and have it ready to show the adjuster. Then, 
make a room-by-room list of missing or damaged items, separating damaged from 
undamaged property. 
Remove, dispose, clean
Its best to remove all wet upholstered furniture, draperies, and other large items to 
someplace where they can be stored (like a garage) until the adjuster can determine 
whether they can be cleaned, reupholstered, or salvaged. You can dispose of wet carpet 
and padding, but save a large piece of both so that your adjuster can see their type and 
quality.
When cleaning furniture and other solid surfaces, use disinfectant and soapy water to 
eliminate as much dirt and bacteria as possible. Once all the wet furniture and carpets 
have been moved out of the way, get rid of any standing water and mud that remain by 
cleaning the floor with the same solution of soapy water and disinfectant.
Damaged property that presents a health hazard or that may hamper local cleanup 
operations should be disposed of; but, before doing so, be sure to include them in your 
inventory.
Use This Experience to Plan for Next Year
Once your agency has resumed normal operations and the volume of claim calls has 
decreased, gather your staff for a catastrophe debriefing session. Assign someone to take 
detailed notes of the meeting. Ask your staff what occurred that they werent prepared 
for, what aspects of the preparedness efforts worked especially well, what common 
questions insureds asked that could have been answered better, and what else they 
learned that could be incorporated into planning for future years. The information from 
this debriefing session will help your agency be better prepared for the next storm. 
At least 1 month before next years flood season, review the entire preparedness plan, 
including the results of this years debriefing session(s). Then update the plan and take 
the steps necessary to be ready for the coming storm season.
After a flood, the greatest thing you can do for your agency and your customers is to 
restore your operations with as little interruption as possible. Good planning, preparation, 
and mitigation measuresplus appropriate insurance coveragewill guarantee that your 
agency weathers the storm.

Melanie Ross-Padron is a Market Analyst for Bankers Insurance Group and a licensed 
Property and Casualty Insurance Agent. She regularly writes for a variety of national 
insurance publications and web sites. For more information about creating an agency 
preparation and recovery plan, contact Padron by telephone (800-627-0000, extension 
4128) or by e-mail (mcpadron@bankersinsurance.com).

Multi-Hazard Mapping

FEMAs missionlike that of the new Department of Homeland Security, of which 
FEMA is now a partincludes mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery 
from all hazards. FEMAs Multi-Hazard Map Modernization Program endeavors to 
achieve this mission while supporting the goals of the Department of Homeland Security 
by systematically modernizing the nations maps in an all-hazards context. 
Applications
In Fiscal Year 2003, the White House requested $300 million for map modernization. 
The Fiscal Year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Act included $150 million for flood map 
modernization, which, combined with our regular mapping budget of $51 million from 
fees, is a five-fold increase over Fiscal Year 2002 allocations. The boost in Fiscal Year 
2003 funding will enable us to begin converting the current flood hazard map inventory 
from paper to digital format and complete the entire map inventory with increased 
funding in subsequent years. Homeland security brings additional urgency for us to focus 
the applications of geospatial data for natural and man-made hazards in support of many 
community-based activities. 
FEMAs map modernization initiative employs technology that creates a community-
level GIS tool that can be applied to asset management, community development, 
planning, zoning, and building code enforcement. This has many implications for NFIP 
stakeholders. We will be able to improve the format and quality of our flood hazard 
information. Floodplain management programs will be easier to administer with better 
information and with data in a digital format. Flood zone determinations will be faster 
and more accurate. Flood hazard data will be readily accessible for response and recovery 
efforts. Future map changes will be more efficient and accurate. Users of flood map data 
at every level will find FEMA maps much more accessible, easier to understand, and 
easier to change.
Improved Technology
Our nations flood hazard maps are currently used 15-20 million times annually by a 
varied group of public and private users. FEMAs map modernization program will 
enhance the accessibility and usefulness of the data for all these users through a flexible 
geospatial framework for natural and man-made hazards. By taking advantage of new 
technology, we will also build a framework from our map modernization effort for 
broader, multi-hazard data dissemination with State and local communities. And, through 
an open GIS system, users will be able to access multiple layers and types of data. 
Data distribution systems will be Internet based, will facilitate integration and 
interoperability with other information technology (IT) systems, will recognize Federal 
Geographic Data Committee standards, and will enable the integration of data for other 
hazards, including those that are man made. 
Partnerships
Developing and maintaining partnerships and leveraging resources are fundamental to the 
success of map modernization. Exchanging accurate risk information with our State and 
local partners is an important part of this process. State and local ownership of the maps 
reinforces greater and broader participation in the development and maintenance of the 
data. The Cooperating Technical Partners program, in operation since 1999, is one of the 
ways in which communities and regional agencies are already able to work with the NFIP 
to improve and maintain the quality and accuracy of flood hazard data. 
The hazard data and IT infrastructure used to manage the data facilitate multi-hazard risk 
management strategy and programs, accommodating the growing use of hazard 
information by a variety of public and private stakeholder groups. Close coordination of 
hazard data development and distribution using advanced technologies among Federal 
agencies is essential. Some of the FEMA offices participating in and benefiting from the 
Multi-Hazard Map Modernization Program are the National Earthquake Hazards 
Reduction Program, HAZUS, Dam Safety Program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning 
Program, National Hurricane Program, disaster response programs, and other elements of 
the new Department of Homeland Security. 
Everyone Wins
Through the Multi-Hazard Map Modernization Program, we will continue to provide 
technical support, mentoring, and training to enhance regional, State, and local 
capabilities. By producing digital flood hazard data and implementing a nationwide, 
state-of-the-art infrastructure that enables all-hazard mapping, this program will promote 
more effective risk management and mitigation, and quicker recovery from disasters of 
all kinds.

FEMA Outreach to CIA
Flood insurance and mitigation specialists from FEMA participated in several panels at 
the Community Associations Institute (CAI) annual conference held May 1, in Dallas, 
Texas. 
The "Lessons Learned During Tropical Storm Allison and the RCBAP" panel highlighted 
two flood insurance experiences in relation to Allison, a killer storm that hit Texas in 
June 2002. One presentation was a success story provided by a management company 
that placed adequate coverage on a building under the NFIPs Residential Condominium 
Building Association Policy (RCBAP) and, subsequently, was paid more than $1.4 
million for losses resulting from Allison. An insurance agent provided attendees with an 
example of insufficient loss protection of a building association that suffered flood 
damage during Allison but did not have adequate flood coverage. 

A second presentation, addressing the Department of Homeland Securitys response to 
terrorism, featured specialists from FEMA Region VI, from the Citizens Corps, and from 
the Small Business Administration. Discussion at this panel focused on response and 
recovery as well as mitigation activities after Tropical Storm Allison and how these are 
similar to the response to a declared disaster due to an act of terrorism

Safe and Sound
Floodwaters can roar through town with the terrifying swiftness of a flash flood, or they 
can rise slowly and inexorably over a period of days or weeks as rivers and streams 
overflow from continuous rainfall or snowmelt. Communities that have flood warning 
systems and emergency response and evacuation plans are most effective at protecting 
the lives and portable property of their citizens. Flood damages also can be decreased 
when communities operate and maintain local flood protection structures such as levees 
and dams. 
All residents and business owners in a community benefit from the safety afforded by 
effective levees, dams, and flood threat recognition systems. Citizens of communities that 
participate in the NFIPs Community Rating System (CRS) can receive an added benefit 
from local flood protection structures and flood recognition systems: discounted NFIP 
insurance premiums. 
Inventive Incentive
The CRS was created in the early 1990s to help communities and their residents avoid or 
reduce flood damage by engaging in activities that exceed the minimum floodplain 
management ordinances required for participation in the NFIP. Communities receive two 
significant benefits for taking part in CRS activities: a reduction in the loss of life and 
damage to property due to flooding, and a reduction in annual flood insurance premiums 
for NFIP policyholders. As of May 1, 2003, there were 978 communities across the 
United States participating in the CRS. 
The CRS has defined 18 floodplain management activities that can earn credit toward 
premium reductions. These activities are grouped into four categories. The first 
categorypublic informationcredits programs that advise the public about flood 
hazards, flood insurance, and ways to reduce flood damage. Activities in this category 
also provide data needed by insurance agents to accurately rate flood insurance. 
The second categorymapping and regulationscredits programs that focus on 
protecting new development from flooding. These activities include mapping areas not 
shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), preserving open space, enforcing higher 
regulatory standards, and managing stormwater. 
The third categoryflood damage reductioncredits programs that focus on protecting 
developed areas at risk of flooding. Activities in this category include generating a 
comprehensive floodplain management plan; relocating, elevating, or retrofitting flood-
prone structures; and maintaining drainage systems. 
This article, the final in a series of Watermark reports about the four CRS categories, 
focuses on the fourth categoryflood preparedness. Communities can receive as many as 
1,300 CRS credit points for flood warning systems and dam and levee safety programs. 
Activity 610: Flood Warning
Given enough warning, citizens can move furniture, cars, and themselves out of harms 
way. Flood warning systems are most effective when combined with an emergency 
response plan that includes flood protection activities such as evacuation, sandbagging, 
and moving building contents above anticipated flood levels. 
For more than 100 years, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings 
for locations along major rivers and coastlines and recently has established the 
StormReady program to help local governments improve the effectiveness of weather-
related warnings for the public. Now, a growing number of communities are 
implementing their own flood threat recognition systems on smaller rivers. These 
communities as well as those that rely on NWS or other river and storm monitoring 
agencies for flood data can earn as many as 225 CRS points for implementing their own 
flood warning programs. Eligible communities must develop and maintain a recognition 
system that identifies impending flood threats. To receive full credit for this CRS activity, 
the community also must develop a flood response plan in which local officials 
coordinate the dissemination of warnings to the public, identify and implement flood 
response tasks, and coordinate response activities with operators of critical facilities such 
as hospitals and hazardous materials companies.
Activity 620: Levee Safety
Many communities are protected to some extent by levees or floodwalls. On Flood 
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), an area protected by a levee that is high enough to 
withstand a base flood (a flood that has a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded 
in any given year) is designated as a B, C, or X Zone. Flood insurance rates for buildings 
located in these moderate flood risk areas are lower than if the levee were not in place.
Even if a levee is not high enough to meet the NFIP base flood criteria, the community 
can earn CRS credit points if the levee was built before January 1, 1991, provides 
protection to at least the 25-year-flood elevation, and is properly maintained and 
operated. To earn CRS credit, communities must also have an emergency response plan 
for situations in which the levee is threatened with overtopping or failure. Other 
requirements for receiving CRS credit for this activity are that the land protected by the 
levee must be identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area on the FIRM and that the base 
flood elevation must be the same on both sides of the levee.
Activity 630: Dam Safety
Approximately 76,000 dams are listed in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National 
Inventory of Dams (NID), last updated in 1998. According to the Association of State 
Dam Safety Officials, some 22,000 additional dams are too small to be listed in the NID. 
Every state has hundreds of dams; some have thousands. For example, with almost 5,900 
dams listed in the NID, the State of Kansas has among the greatest number of dams. 
Dams can create a false sense of security for those who live downstream. Unlike levees, 
dams can fail in the absence of flood conditions. They can be breached with little or no 
warning and send a wall of water downstream. As many as 11,000 dams in the U.S. are 
classified as "high hazard" dams whose failure would threaten life and property. Fewer 
than half of the potentially affected communities have dam failure action plans in place. 
One way to minimize dam failure is to enforce construction and 
maintenance standards. This is usually done through a State dam safety program. As 
many as 175 CRS credit points can be earned if a community is in compliance with its 
FEMA-approved State dam safety program and has put in place a dam failure emergency 
response plan. Even communities that are not located downstream from a dam can 
receive CRS credit if the state has a dam safety program approved by FEMA.
Decreased Damage, Lower Premiums
Community participation in the CRS is voluntary. All communities that participate in the 
NFIP may apply for a CRS classification at any time. The next step is to schedule a 
community visit from FEMA representatives, who will review its creditable activities, set 
the credit to be granted, and designate the communitys class upon entering the CRS. 
(See page 6 for a list of the most recent class improvements.) Each year, communities 
must recertify their activities. They are also afforded an opportunity to modify their 
applications, which may improve the CRS classification and the premium discount 
offered to citizens. 
There are ten CRS classes: class 1 requires the most credit points and gives the largest 
premium reduction; class 10 receives no premium reduction. Once participating in the 
CRS, a community needs only 500 points to move from one CRS class to the next, with a 
5 percent insurance premium discount for each class improvement. 
CRS Training
CRS specialists are available at any time to assist community officials in applying to the 
program and designing, implementing, and documenting the activities that earn even 
greater premium discounts. In addition, a week-long CRS course for local officials is 
offered free at FEMAs Emergency Management Institute. State and local workshops and 
other CRS training activities are periodically available. A list of resources is available at 
the CRS web site (www.fema.gov/nfip/crs.htm). For information about the CRS or an 
application, contact the Insurance Services Office by telephone (317-848-2898) or by e-
mail (nfipcrs@iso.com). 

Watermark Reports About CRS Activities

Public InformationSeries 300 activities
See Summer 2002 Watermark, pages 1-7.

Mapping and RegulationsSeries 400 activities
See Fall 2002 Watermark, pages 23-27.

Flood Damage ReductionSeries 500 activities
See 2003, Number 1 Watermark, pages 9-11.

Flood PreparednessSeries 600 activities
See 2003, Number 2 Watermark, pages 14-16.

Watermark is available at the NFIP web site (www.fema.gov/nfip/wm.shtm) or by 
sending a fax to Lynd Morris at 301-918-1471 to request free copies or to be added, at no 
cost, to the Watermark subscription list.

Flood Warning Program Resources

CRS Credit for Flood Warning SystemsAvailable at the CRS section of the FEMA 
web site (www.fema.gov/pdf/nfip/pub-610.pdf) or in print or on CD-ROM by calling 
317-848-2898 (free item).

Guidelines on Community Local Flood Warning and Response SystemsAvailable from 
the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce 
at 800-553-6847; ask for order number PB86109717 ($36.50).

Community Handbook on Flood Warning and Preparedness ProgramsAlso available 
from NTIS; ask for order number ADD108669 ($31.50).

Levee Safety Resources
Design and Construction of LeveesAvailable online from the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers (www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em1110-2-1913/toc.htm).

Resources for Dam Safety Programs
National Dam Safety ProgramThis section of the FEMA web site 
(www.fema.gov/fima/damsafe/) has details about the history, goals, and research and 
training activities of this program. The resource page (www.fema.gov/fima/damsafe/ 
resources.shtm) lists a number of relevant FEMA publications that can be ordered by 
calling the FEMA Distribution Center (800-480-2520).

Association of State Dam Safety OfficialsThis organization provides resources and 
support for dam safety professionals. The associations web site (www.damsafety.org/) 
publishes dam-related news and lists information about dam safety by State.

Emergency Action Planning for DamsThis video can be requested from FEMA at no 
cost by e-mail (rita.henry@fema.gov).

Dam Seepage Monitoring SystemThis interactive CD-ROM allows dam professionals 
to store and plot their instrument data on their personal computers. Request this free CD-
ROM from FEMA by e-mail (gene.zeizel@fema.gov)

Insuring a Dream

Piled at the building site are lumber and other materials. Why hasnt construction begun? 
Because authorization for the contractors first draw has not been made. To receive a 
federally backed loan, the property owner must obtain flood insurance. Without flood 
insurance, the contractor and property owner will not go to settlement.
Insurance professionals may be hesitant to write flood insurance coverage on 
construction that has not yet begun. They may think that coverage is unavailable, or they 
may not understand the insuring process.
Coverage Caveats
The NFIPs Flood Insurance Manual states (pages GR 4 and DEF 2) that buildings under 
construction, and not yet walled and roofed, are eligible for coverage, although certain 
restrictions apply:
	Coverage ceases on construction that has been halted for more than 90 days. 
Coverage begins again when construction resumes.
	There is no coverage for a building under construction if the lowest floor used for 
rating is below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). 
	Deductibles are doubled until the building has in place at least two rigid, exterior 
walls and a fully secured roof.
	Building materials and supplies intended for use in construction are covered if 
located within an enclosed building on the premises or an adjacent property.
Calculating the Premium
Insurance premiums for properties in high-risk areas are based on the elevation of the 
buildings lowest floor in relation to the BFE. Therefore, a FEMA Elevation Certificate 
(EC) must be completed and provided to the flood insurance agent. This requirement 
becomes a problem only when the insured is unable to secure an EC from a surveyor, 
architect, or engineer. Understandably, these professionals may be hesitant to certify 
measurements that are based on drawings and not on actual construction. They may need 
to be assured that the NFIP recognizes drawing measurements as estimates. 
The EC includes two places in which certifying professionals can indicate that 
measurements are estimates. A box in item C1. of the EC is to be "checked" by the 
professional completing the form when the figures provided have been based on 
drawings. In addition, the certifier may note any concerns regarding the property or 
drawings in the comment portion of the ECs Section D.
Once construction is complete, a new EC is required. Because measurements between the 
first and last EC may vary, and because coverages and deductibles also change, the 
property owner must be informed up front about the two-phase process of insuring a 
building that is under construction.
Dreams Can Come True
Insurance professionals will find that placing flood insurance on buildings in the course 
of construction is profitable. Be the agent who gets the client to settlement on time. Be 
the agent in whom property owners have confidence. Be the agent who insures the dream.

Seasonal Campaigns
At almost any time of year it is flood season somewhere in the United States. By tying 
flood insurance marketing efforts and tailoring flood awareness campaigns to seasonal 
weather conditions, NFIP stakeholders can use historical flood statistics to reach 
consumers whose attention is already focused on the risks of seasonal storms.
Costly weather-related disasters are the norm rather than the exception in the United 
States and its territories. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA), weather-related disasters costing a billion dollars or more have 
struck the United States 52 times since 1980. Of these, 34 included severe flooding. (See 
NOAAs web site at lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/ oa/reports/billionz. html for a wealth of data and 
special reports about many of these events.) 
Although much of the United States has encountered drought conditions for the last 5 
years, serious floods have continued to wreak damage on property owners from Florida to 
Maine and from the Gulf States to the Midwest, Rockies, and Pacific Coast states. No 
place in the United States has year-round flooding, but every region has seasons in which 
it is more susceptible to floods. Waiting until a flood threatens is a doomed protection 
strategy. With a 30-day waiting period after flood insurance is purchased before it goes 
into effect, NFIP stakeholders must plan ahead to reach out to consumers with 
information about protecting themselves before seasonal floods hit. 
Local Outreach 
Direct contact with the public when property owners are already sensitized to the flood 
hazard is probably the most effective way to influence those who are most at risk of flood 
losses. Through their public awareness and outreach projects, hundreds of communities 
participating in the NFIPs Community Rating System (CRS) have demonstrated how 
varied that contact can be. For example, community newsletters are natural vehicles for 
flood protection messages. There are many other ways to promote awareness of flood risk 
and protection. Some communities, such as Floridas Dade, Alachua, Orange, and Palm 
Beach Counties, publish flood-awareness informationincluding the availability of 
Elevation Certificate and map information servicesin local telephone directories. Novi 
and Midland, Michigan, have community calendars that address flood-related topics 
during floodprone months. Every year, Denvers Urban Drainage and Flood Control 
District sends an outreach brochure to all communities in the metropolitan area. 
Tillamook, Oregon, uses a billboard (erected on a former 
repetitive loss property that was bought out) to promote flood protection. And in Iowa, a 
placard about flood awareness is hung on the doors of every building in the Des Moines 
floodplain each year.
Direct mailings can be expensive. An enterprising CRS coordinator in Charlotte County, 
Florida, successfully appealed to area banks to include a flood awareness flyer with one 
of the monthly statements mailed to their depositors. In St. Petersburg, Florida, a Girl 
Scout troop earned a community badge by delivering a flood awareness flyer to homes in 
an area containing numerous repetitive loss buildings. Fort Collins, Colorado, and St. 
Tammany Parish, Louisiana, are among a growing number of communities that offer 
flood informationincluding flood zone mapson their web sites.
Making presentations to community organizations is an excellent form of outreach. 
Insurance agents who become known as the local flood insurance specialists are often in 
demand by local business organizations during flood season. Many Florida emergency 
management officials attend meetings at manufactured home park and neighborhood 
associations to discuss flood preparation and response in coastal communities. In Grand 
Forks, North Dakota, an annual "Flood Fight" open house is held at a local library to 
combat spring flooding on the Red River of the North. Grand Forks also exhibits a flood 
awareness booth at the annual local builders show to make contact with architects and 
contractors. 
FEMA has developed dozens of public awareness and marketing materials to alert 
citizens about the dangers of flooding and the financial protection available from the 
NFIP. Almost all of these materials are free and can be ordered in quantity for use in 
direct mailings or distribution at public events. See the NFIP web site 
(www.fema.gov/nfip/libfacts) for a list of flood-related consumer items.  Public 
awareness materials and related information also can be found at the NFIP web site 
(www.fema.gov/nfip/order).
Finding the Facts
Timing outreach efforts so that they take place prior to periods of highest flood risk 
enhances the effectiveness of any flood awareness campaign. So does tailoring 
information to include local and regional data. But where can you find good statistics 
about flooding? 
Information about flooding frequency is available from a number of sources. The State 
Stats tables on pages 34-38 provide a decade of seasonal loss data for each U.S. region as 
well as each state. It is easy to see from the bar graphs which months are most floodprone 
in your area. 
The FEMA web site offers a variety of policy and claims statistics by month, calendar 
year and fiscal year, and state (access this information at www.fema.gov/nfip/pcstat.htm). 
NOAAs Hydrologic Information Center provides excellent storm summaries and 
predictions (visit it on line at www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/hic/archive/ index.shtml). 
Uncovering local damage statistics can be more challenging because NFIP loss data 
informs you only of how many insured losses were paid. What about uninsured losses? 
Uninsured flood victims must rely on disaster assistance or other forms of relief. FEMA 
reports Federal disaster response for floods that resulted in Presidential Disaster 
Declarations (see the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov/library/drcys). However, the 
statistics youll find imbedded in press releases provided at this site do not include 
funding from Small Business Administration loans or assistance provided by the 
American Red Cross or other relief organizations. Explore local sources of disaster 
information such as your communitys Red Cross office, community floodplain officials, 
and community emergency response officials. They may be able to provide you with 
access to their reports on historical losses in your community.
Seasonal Series
On pages 20-25 youll find an article about hurricanes that has been designed to supply 
you with material you can use in your community to communicate the greater risk of 
flooding during this season. Let us know what was useful and what additional 
information would be helpful (send your feedback to lynd.morris@fema.gov). We will 
present similar material regarding winter storms, spring flood risks, and summer flooding 
that is not hurricane related in future editions of Watermark. 

Adjuster Cards
Claims adjusters must show proof that they have been certified to adjust NFIP flood 
insurance claims. In the past, Flood Certifications were issued in a letter format. 
Recently, these letters have been replaced with Flood Certification cards, which were first 
distributed to certified adjusters in February. Displaying the same information as the 
certification letters, each wallet-size card includes the adjuster's name, Flood Certification 
Number, and the loss categories in which the adjuster is certified. The Flood Certification 
Number replaces the adjusters Social Security Number for identification purposes on all 
NFIP forms and reports.
Adjusters are required to have this card available at all times. Each time they contact the 
NFIP Bureau and Statistical Agent, attend any NFIP workshops or training classes, or 
submit flood estimates, adjusters will need to use their Flood Certification Number. 
Adjusters must safeguard their Flood Certification cards, because lost cards cannot be 
replaced. New cards will be issued only when adjusters upgrade their loss categories. 
If you have any questions, contact Marleny Casanova, NFIP Claims Analyst, at 301-731-
5300, extension 746.

Hurricane Watch
Summer and fall bring more than just good weather and tourists to America's coasts and 
islands. June 1 through November 30 is hurricane season along the Atlantics shores; the 
Pacific hurricane season runs May 15-November 30. In the past decade alone, hurricanes 
have done billions of dollars of damage to property on America's eastern and western 
seaboards as well as in the Gulf States and island territories. 
Hurricanes, typhoons, tropical storms, and tropical depressions all begin as storm systems 
known collectively as tropical cyclones. As winds pick up speed, the designation of the 
cyclone changes. Most tropical cyclones that form in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans 
never become hurricanes, and, of those that do, few make landfall. But it isn't necessary 
for the eye of a hurricane to pass over land for flooding to occur. When even the edges of 
a tropical storm system brush land, flooding usually follows. In fact, a storm system that 
did not progress beyond numbered tropical depression status caused flooding in 
Louisiana and Texas during early September 2000, resulting in flooding damage and 
more than $161,500 in NFIP loss payments. And, this figure reflects only damage to 
property that was insured. 
Flooding doesn't result just from the increased precipitation that is associated with 
tropical storm systems. Storm surgea dome of ocean water sometimes 20 feet high at 
its peak and 50 to 100 miles widecan drive creeks and rivers over their banks far 
inland. The surge rises even higher and travels farther when it coincides with high tide.
Hurricane-related flood damage is not just a coastal phenomenon. Rain from dissipating 
hurricanes frequently moves far inland, causing flooding in states hundreds of miles from 
the beach. Since 1970, 59 percent of all U.S. tropical cyclone deaths were caused by 
inland flooding.
A Decade of Tropical Cyclones
The table on page 21 lists the storm systems that formed during the past decade and either 
made landfall, brushed the coast, or produced precipitation that continued to move onto 
land even after the storm no longer maintained cyclone status. The severity of winds in 
these tropical storms is reflected in the designation that precedes the name (see sidebar at 
right). Designations in the table refer to each storm's most intense status, although many 
of the tropical cyclones listed were downgraded before they or their remnants reached 
land.
Also listed in the table on page 21 are the states and territories affected by these storm 
systems. Not included in this table are numerous Atlantic storms that made landfall in 
Central America or in Caribbean islands that are not U.S. Territories. The table does 
include both Pacific and Atlantic tropical cyclones. Although the last tropical cyclone to 
hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki in September 1992, the U.S. Territories of Guam, the 
Federated States of Micronesia, and the Northern Mariana Islands have weathered several 
devastating tropical cyclones in the last decade. In 2002 alone, FEMA issued Federal 
Disaster Declarations twice in all three territories following typhoons (see page 25 for a 
description of these storms).
No tropical cyclone has officially made landfall in the mainland Western United States 
since 1939. However, included in the table are several Pacific storms that affected 
Mexico's west coast before sending heavy rainfall up the California coast and even inland 
into the southwestern United States. For example, in 1997, the remnants of three Pacific 
hurricanesIgnacio, Linda, and Noradrove rain into California, Arizona, Nevada, and 
Oregon, resulting in almost $486,000 in NFIP loss payments. Paid losses would have 
been higher had property owners in these states expected the unexpected and purchased 
flood protection in advance.
Although rainfall resulting from dozens of tropical cyclones has caused serious flooding 
during the last decade, only a fraction of these events produced Federal Disaster 
Declarations that provided Federal Disaster Assistance for flood recovery. States that 
received Federal Disaster Declarations for assistance following a tropical cyclone are 
noted in the table on page 21 (see footnotes).
When Does Hurricane Season Peak?
In the past decade, tropical cyclones have formed during every 2-week period of the 
June-through-November hurricane season except the final 2-week period, though several 
have come ashore at the end of November. Hurricane Allison in 1995 and Tropical Storm 
Allison in 2001 both formed in the first week in June. Tropical Storm Gordon in 1994 
and Hurricane Lenny in 1999 both formed in mid-November. Most tropical cyclones (or 
their remnants) that made landfall in the United States and its territories during the past 
decade formed primarily in late August and throughout September. 
The following graph illustrates the concentration of Atlantic storms that affected the U.S. 
and its territories. Dates used to prepare this graph were drawn from the Unisys 
Hurricane Archive (formerly the Purdue University Hurricane Archive), and reflect the 
period within each month in which storms were formednot necessarily when their 
winds or precipitation made landfall. 
In the east and west Pacific Ocean, typhoons or their remnants that made landfall formed 
primarily in September. However, in the past decade, devastating Pacific tropical 
cyclones have been generated throughout the year. In 2002 alone, the first of three super 
typhoons resulting in Federal Disaster Declarations formed in late February (Mitag), the 
second at the end of June (Chata'an), and the third at the beginning of December 
(Pongsona)!
Where Do They Hit?
Tropical cyclones or severe rainfall associated with these storms have touched more than 
30 states and territories in the last decade. Some of these are inland states that have been 
drenched by tropical precipitation only a few times. Others, such as Florida and the 
Carolinas, have been struck frequently, sometimes several times each year. The table on 
page 24 lists the states and territories that have been visited most often by tropical 
cyclones or the damaging rainfall associated with them in the last decade.
Tailoring Hurricane Outreach Efforts
If property owners dont believe that hurricane season poses a flood risk, they arent 
likely to protect themselves against flood losses. Most consumers depend on authoritative 
sources from within their community to provide information about where, when, and how 
to protect themselves from dangerous situations. When it comes to hurricane-related 
flood hazards, the NFIPs stakeholders are those authorities. 
Following are just a few ways you can alert your community to the increased flood risk 
during hurricane season:
	There is no substitute for direct contact when it comes to community outreach and 
public awareness. Throughout hurricane season, offer to make presentations about flood 
exposure and hurricane preparedness to local business, service, and educational 
organizations.
	Provide a "hurricane information" presence at local consumer events such as fairs 
and mall expos. The NFIP produces numerous free pamphlets and flyers about flooding 
and each year publishes a "Worst Guest List" flyera roster of Atlantic storm names that 
have been designated for that season, with contact information for those who want to 
know more about flood insurance. Displaying these publications at a booth can serve as 
an opener to conversations with consumers about flood risk and protection.
	Contact news media and offer local hurricane damage and insurance coverage 
statistics as well as experts who can be interviewed about hurricane preparedness.
	Conduct direct mailings of NFIP literature to consumers as part of a hurricane 
preparedness campaign. 
When possible, insert local flooding statistics into whatever form of outreach you 
employ. Quote from the tables included in this article about hurricane frequency and 
severity. The web sites listed below were used in researching this article. Visit them for 
more information about the storms listed and about how to prepare for, weather, and 
recover from a hurricane. 

Establish partnerships among public officials, insurance associations, lenders, and other 
stakeholders for sharing ideas, information, and funding. These partnerships can enable a 
wider outreach effort. 
Local floodplain coordinators often can furnish information about properties located in 
the floodplain. Find the office of your State NFIP coordinator on pages 34-38 of this 
Watermark or on the FEMA web site (www.fema.gov/fima/statecoor.shtm) and contact it 
to identify your local floodplain coordinators. In addition, the Association of State 
Floodplain Managers maintains a list of national, state, and local links on their web site 
(www.floods.org/theorganization/links.
asp). 
Local or regional insurance associations will be able to provide insurance expertise about 
flood coverage. In addition, you can find a list of companies that issue Federally backed 
flood insurance at the NFIP web site (www.fema.gov/nfipInsurance/companies.jsp).  The 
NFIPs Telephone Response Center (800-720-1093) can provide contact information for 
insurance agents in every area who sell flood insurance.
Extend your outreach through the local media. Involve local meteorologists in your 
awareness campaign by inviting participation in outreach events. Remember, although 
the first wave of media interest in flooding occurs at the beginning of the hurricane 
season in June, most hurricanes make landfall in late August and during September. 
Generate media interest when it is needed most by contacting newspapers and radio and 
TV stations with mid-season data in late July or early August. 
A Dependable Risk
Flooding due to hurricanes will continue to present a hazard to a large portion of the 
United States and its territories in spite of extensive mitigation and evacuation efforts. 
The NFIP cannot stop hurricanes from making landfall, but our stakeholders can 
minimize the risks of flood damage to their communities by conducting public awareness 
campaigns that alert their neighbors about impending danger. Property owners need the 
chance to insure themselves against financial flood losses resulting from hurricanes so 
that they can recover more quickly after the winds die down and the waters recede.

Lynd Morris has worked with the NFIP as a communications specialist since 1983 and 
has been the writer and associate editor of the Watermark for the last 5 years.

Whats in a Name?
Tropical Depression - An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined 
circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
Tropical Named Storm - An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined 
circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
Hurricane and Typhoon - An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined 
circulation and maximum sustained winds of more than 74 mph. Hurricanes are called 
"typhoons" in the Western Pacific. These are tropical cyclones with wind speeds of 74-
149 mph.
Major Hurricane - An intense hurricane (Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale) 
with surface winds of at least 111 mph.
Super Typhoon - A typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph or greater 
(equivalent to a category 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale)

Tropical Cyclone Activity Affecting the U.S.
1993-2002
Year		Tropical Cyclones 	Affected States/Territories
		(or their remnants)
	 
2002		
		Tropical Storm Bertha	LA, MS, TX
		Super Typhoon Chata'an1	Guam2, Micronesia2, Mariana Islands2
		Hurricane Edouard	FL
		Tropical Storm Fay	TX2
		Hurricane Gustav	NC
		Tropical Storm Hanna	AL2, GA KY, NC, SC, VA
		Tropical Storm Isidore	AL2, KY, LA2, MS2, OH, TN
		Tropical Storm Kyle	NC, SC
		Hurricane Lili	AR, LA2, TN
		Super Typhoon Mitag1	Micronesia2
		Super Typhoon Pongsona1	Guam2, Mariana Islands2, CA, OR
2001		
		Tropical Storm Allison	AL, DE, FL2, GA, LA2, MD, MS2, NJ, NC, 
PA2, SC, TX2, VA2
		Tropical Storm Barry	FL
		Tropical Storm Dean	PR, VI
		Tropical Storm Gabrielle	FL2
		Hurricane Juliette1	AZ, CA, NM
2000		
		Hurricane Debbie	PR
		Tropical Depression 9	LA, TX
		Tropical Storm Gordon	FL, GA, NC, SC, VA
		Tropical Storm Helene	FL2, GA, NC, SC
		Tropical Storm Lane1	CA, OR, WA
		Tropical Storm Leslie	FL
1999		
		Hurricane Bret	TX2
		Hurricane Dennis	NC2, PA2, SC, VA
		Hurricane Floyd	CT2, DE2, FL2, GA, ME2, MD2, MA, NH2, NJ2, 
NY2, NC2, PA2, RI, SC2, VT2, VA2
		Tropical Storm Harvey	FL
		Hurricane Irene	FL2
		Hurricane Jose	VI
		Tropical Storm Lenny	PR, VI2

Year		Tropical Cyclones 	Affected States/Territories
		(or their remnants)

1998		
		Hurricane Bonnie	GA, NC2, SC2, VA2
		Tropical Storm Charley	TX2
		Hurricane Earl	FL2
		Tropical Storm Frances	AR, IA, KS, LA2, MO, OK, TX2
		Hurricane Georges	AL2, FL2, GA, LA2, MS2, PR2, VI2
		Tropical Storm Hermine	LA
		Hurricane Mitch	FL2
1997		
		Hurricane Danny	AL, FL, GA, LA, MA, NC, SC, VA
		Hurricane Ignacio1	CA
		Typhoon Isa1	Mariana Islands
		Super Typhoon Keith1	Guam, Mariana Islands
		Hurricane Linda1 	CA, NV, OR
		Hurricane Nora1	AZ, CA
		Super Typhoon Paka1	Guam2, Mariana Islands2
1996		
		Tropical Storm Arthur	NC, SC
		Hurricane Bertha	CT, DE, FL, GA, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC2, PA, 
PR, RI, SC, VI2, VA
		Typhoon Fern1	Micronesia2
		Hurricane Fran	MD2, NC2, OH, PA2, SC2, VA2, WV2
		Hurricane Hortense	PR2
		Tropical Storm Josephine	FL, GA, NC, SC, VA
1995		
		Hurricane Allison	FL, GA, NC, SC
		Tropical Storm Dean	LA, TX
		Tropical Storm Erin	AL, FL2, MS
		Tropical Storm Jerry	FL, GA, NC, SC
		Hurricane Luis	PR, VI
		Hurricane Marilyn	PR2, VI2
		Hurricane Opal	AL2, FL2, GA2, NC, SC, TN
1994		
		Tropical Storm Alberto	AL2, FL2, GA2
		Tropical Storm Beryl	FL, GA, NC, SC, VA
		Tropical Storm Gordon	FL2
1993		
		Hurricane Arlene	TX
		Hurricane Emily	NC

States/Territories Affected by Five or More Tropical Cyclones
(1993-2002)
State/	No. of
Territory	Storms		Name and Year of Storm

Florida	22	Edouard (2002); Allison, Barry (2001); Gordon, Helene, Leslie (2000); 
Floyd, Harvey, Irene (1999); Earl, Georges, Mitch (1998); Danny (1997); Arthur, Bertha, 
Josephine (1996); Allison, Erin, Jerry, Opal (1995); Alberto, Gordon (1994)
North Carolina	18	Gustav, Hanna, Kyle (2002); Allison (2001); Gordon, 
Helene (2000); Dennis, Floyd (1999); Bonnie (1998); Danny (1997); Arthur, Bertha, 
Fran, Josephine (1996); Allison, Jerry, Opal (1995); Emily (1993)
South Carolina	16	Hanna, Kyle (2002); Allison (2001); Gordon, Helene 
(2000); Dennis, Floyd (1999); Bonnie (1998); Danny (1997); Arthur, Bertha, Fran, 
Josephine (1996); Allison, Jerry, Opal (1995)
Georgia	14	Hanna (2002); Allison (2001); Gordon, Helene (2000); Floyd 
(1999); Bonnie, Georges, (1998); Danny (1997); Bertha, Josephine (1996); Allison, Jerry, 
Opal (1995); Alberto (1994)
Louisiana	10	Bertha, Isidore, Lili (2002); Allison (2001); Tropical Depression 9 
(2000); Frances, Georges, Hermine (1998); Danny (1997); Dean (1995) 
Virginia	10	Hanna (2002); Allison (2001); Gordon (2000); Dennis, Floyd 
(1999); Bonnie (1998); Danny (1997); Bertha, Fran, Josephine (1996)
Texas	10	Bertha, Fay (2002); Allison (2001); Tropical Depression 9 (2000); Bret, 
Charley, Frances (1998); Danny (1997); Dean (1995); Arlene (1993)
Puerto Rico	8	Dean (2001); Debbie (2000); Lenny (1999); Georges (1998); 
Bertha, Hortense (1996); Luis, Marilyn (1995)
Virgin Islands	7	Dean (2001); Jose, Lenny (1999); Georges (1998); Bertha (1996); 
Luis, Marilyn (1995)
California	6	Pongsona (2002); Juliette (2001); Lane (2000); Ignacio, Linda, 
Nora (1997)
Mississippi	5	Bertha, Isidore (2002), Allison (2001); Georges (1998); Erin 
(1995)

Hurricane Review of 2002

During the 2002 hurricane season there were 12 named tropical storms in the Atlantic, 4 
of which became hurricanes. In all, 8 Atlantic tropical cyclones or their remnants affected 
the United States. 
The Gulf Coast was hit by the first storm of the season when rainfall associated with 
Tropical Storm Bertha soaked Mississippi and Louisiana in early August. A month later, 
Hurricane Edouardweakened to tropical storm status before it made landfallcrossed 
Florida before heading out to sea. Next, Tropical Storm Fay battered the coast of Texas in 
early September, prompting a Federal Disaster Declaration. In mid-September, Tropical 
Storm Hanna came ashore at the Alabama-Mississippi border before moving east through 
Georgia, where it dropped up to 14 inches of rain in some areas. A few days later, 
Hurricane Isidore was downgraded to a tropical storm just before it came ashore in 
Louisiana. Damage resulting from Hanna and Isidore prompted Federal Disaster 
Declarations in several Gulf Coast states.
The Atlantic seaboard escaped direct hits from hurricanes in 2002, although Gustav 
showered North Carolina as a tropical storm before it tracked up the East Coast and into 
Canada, where it made landfall as a hurricane on September 12. Kyle formed in the mid-
Atlantic and wandered for 3 weeksgaining hurricane status for 3 days near the end of 
Septemberbefore it weakened to a tropical storm and brushed the Carolina coast in 
early October. 
The last and strongest of the four Atlantic hurricanes, Hurricane Lili, will not be fondly 
remembered by Gulf Coast residents. One of eight named storms that were generated in 
the Atlantic Ocean Basin during September (the most for any month on record), Lili 
formed late in the month and spawned a major rollout of Federal, State, and local 
emergency forces when she grew into a powerful Category 4 hurricane in the Gulf of 
Mexico. Lili weakened just before she swept ashore on Louisiana's central coastline on 
October 3, leaving hurricane experts baffled and Gulf Coast residents breathing a sigh of 
relief. This hurricane soaked the entire Gulf Coastwhich just 2 weeks before had been 
battered by Hanna and Isidoreand wrought enough devastation for President Bush to 
declare an immediate major disaster for Louisiana.
In the Pacific Ocean, 25 named tropical cyclones formed in 2002. Three of these struck 
several U.S. territories with such severity that Federal disasters were declared. The worst 
of thesePongsonahit Guam, Micronesia, and the Mariana Islands at the beginning of 
December 2002 before crossing the Pacific and soaking northern California and Oregon 
with its remnants. Pongsona packed such high winds that it rated a Super Typhoon 
designation (see sidebar on page 20). The Federal government released more than $50 
million in Federal Disaster Assistance in Guam and the Mariana Islands, where the 
damage was most severe. According to FEMA records, this typhoon was rated as the 
most damaging and costly storm ever to hit Guam. 
How will the 2003 hurricane season compare to the last one? As shown by Dr. William 
Gray's predictions for 2003 (see page 26), there is every probability that this will be a 
damaging year. All information points toward the need for flood insurance.

2003 Hurricane Forecast
Dr. William Gray and his team of scientists at Colorado State Universitys Tropical 
Meteorology Project have been forecasting tropical storms for 20 years. This year, Grays 
team notes that the recent upturn in Atlantic Basin hurricane activity (which began in 
1995) is expected to continue in 2003. Gray and team anticipate an above-average 
probability for Atlantic Basin tropical storms to make landfall in the U.S. 
The Gray research team forecasts that 12 Atlantic tropical storms will develop during the 
2003 hurricane season (June through November). Eight of these storms will develop into 
hurricanes, and three of these hurricanes will be major, Gray predictspacking winds of 
at least 111 mph (see "Whats in a Name?" on page 20 for storm definitions). According 
to Tropical Meteorology Project data, hurricane seasons in the second half of the 20th 
century averaged 9.6 tropical named storms, 5.9 hurricanes, and 2.3 major hurricanes. 
Where are major hurricanes most likely to hit this year? Grays team offers the 
probability for at least one intense (Saffir-Simpson Scale Categories 3-5, see page 20) 
hurricane to make landfall on each of the coastal areas listed in the Location table 
below. 
Visit the Tropical Meteorology Project web site for forecast updates and additional 
information about tropical storm prediction (http://tropical.atmos. 
colostate.edu/forecasts/).
New NOAA Predictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is now issuing Atlantic 
Basin seasonal hurricane forecasts independent of those made by Dr. Gray and the 
Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project. Unlike Dr. Gray, NOAA does 
not issue individual month or landfall probability forecasts. Visit the NOAA web site for 
more information (www.noaa.gov).

Tropical Storms	Forecast for 2003
Tropical Named Stormswinds of 39 mph and above	12
Hurricaneswinds of 74 mph to 110 mph	8
Major Hurricaneswinds of 111 mph or more 	3

	Hurricane	Hurricane	Location	Probability 2003 	Probability 
1950-2000

Entire U.S. coastline	68%	52%

U.S. East Coast 	48%	31%

Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle 
westward to Brownsville, Texas	38%	30%

Caribbean	Above average	

2003 Tropical Storm Names
	Atlantic	Pacific	
	Ana	Andres
	Bill	Blanca
	Claudette	Carlos
	Danny	Dolores
	Erika	Enrique
	Fabian	Felicia
	Grace	Guillermo
	Henri	Hilda
	Isabel	Ignacio
	Juan	Jimena
	Kate	Kevin
	Larry	Linda
	Mindy	Marty
	Nicholas	Nora
	Odette	Olaf
	Peter	Patricia
	Rose	Rick
	Sam	Sandra
	Teresa	Terry
	Victor	Vivian
	Wanda	Waldo
		Xina
		York
		Zelda	

This information was excerpted from the National Weather Service Tropical Prediction 
Center's web site (www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml)

Participation and Compliance

Among the most important aspects of the NFIP are enrollment of new communities and 
continued monitoring of community eligibility and compliance with floodplain 
management regulations. By December 31, 2002, there were 19,859 communities 
participating in the NFIP. Of these, 683 were in the NFIPs Emergency Program and 
19,176 were in the Regular Program. 
There were 149 new communities participating in the NFIP during 2002. Much of this 
activity was driven by flooding disasters. Of the 149 new communities, 73 were placed in 
the Emergency Program; 76, in the Regular Program.
Following are highlights of NFIP floodplain management activities during 2002.
CACs and CAVs 
FEMA regional staff and NFIP State Coordinators visit or telephone representatives of 
thousands of NFIP participating communities annually. These contacts, called 
Community Assistance Contacts (CACs) and Community Assistance Visits (CAVs), 
allow flood specialists an opportunity to provide technical consultation to communities. 
A communitys implementation of its floodplain management program can also be 
monitored.
During a CAV, officials discuss current local ordinances, the number of floodplain 
insurance policies in the community, floodplain administration, permitting, and 
annexation issues. Information gathered at a CAV is recorded in FEMAs Community 
Information System. During 2002, there were 1,588 CACs and 661 CAVs recorded. 
Map Actions and Ordinance Amendments 
Three types of map action letters are issued by FEMAs Community Assistance Branch. 
They are the Letter of Final Determination (LFD), the 
90-day letter, and the 30-day letter. 
LFDs finalize the Base Flood Elevations for the community and start the 6-month 
ordinance adoption period. During 2002, FEMA issued 600 LFDs, each representing an 
ordinance that had to be adopted or amended. 
Communities are sent 90-day letters as reminders that they have 90 days to adopt or 
amend the ordinances or be suspended from the program. There were 429 of these 90-day 
letters issued in 2002. 
If a community fails to adopt or amend its ordinance properly after receiving the 90-day 
letter, the community is sent a 30-day letter as the official notice that the community will 
be suspended in 30 days if the required floodplain management actions are not taken. 
During 2002, there were 363 of these 30-day letters issued. 
Typically, fewer 90- and 30-day letters are sent than LFDs because more communities 
become compliant as the suspension date approaches. However, during the next several 
yearsas a result of FEMAs Map Modernization Programthe number of all of these 
map action letters could increase three-fold or more.   
When FEMA provides a community with a revised or updated Flood Insurance Rate Map 
(FIRM), the community is obligated to ensure that its floodplain management ordinance 
adequately incorporates the new flood data. Sometimes only the new maps date of issue 
needs to be referenced in the ordinance. In other cases, an ordinance may need to be 
significantly amended to incorporate new floodplain management provisions required as 
a result of more detailed data provided on the map. 
Submit for Rate Actions
Submit for Rates are instances in which, during the process of gathering data about a 
building while completing a flood insurance application, it is discovered that the building 
may be in violation of its communitys floodplain management ordinance. Submit for 
Rates that indicate potential violations of NFIP floodplain management criteria are 
referred to the FEMA Region in which the property is located to allow for local follow-
up with the community. Not all Submit for Rates are violations. However, the Submit for 
Rate process is a valuable tool for monitoring floodplain compliance in communities, and 
it helps to identify CAC and CAV priority communities. The Submit for Rate process 
also can be used to educate local officials about the insurance consequences of their 
communitys noncompliance. During 2002, there were 4,257 Submit for Rates referred to 
FEMA Regional offices.
Section 1316 Declarations
Community officials can request that the NFIP deny flood insurance coverage for a 
building that they declare to be in violation of local floodplain management ordinances 
when the property owner refuses to correct the violation. These coverage denials are 
called Section 1316 Declarations. Once a building becomes compliant, the Section 1316 
Declaration can be rescinded. 
During 2002, FEMA processed 25 Section 1316 Declarations, and insurance was denied 
to these buildings. During the same period, 10 declarations were rescinded. Most of the 
rescinded declarations came from Texas, where communities have had some success in 
getting property owners to correct outstanding floodplain management violations.
Probation 
Probation is FEMAs formal notification to a community that its floodplain management 
program does not meet NFIP criteria. When put on probation, the community is in 
jeopardy of being suspended unless it takes the steps necessary to correct program 
deficiencies and resolve violations. During 2002, FEMA issued probation notices to two 
communities, although one was able to take corrective action before probation became 
effective. During the same period, two communities were removed from FEMAs 
community probation list, leaving six communities on probation as of December 31, 
2002.
Suspension and Reinstatement 
During 2002, FEMA suspended 20 communities for failure to adopt compliant floodplain 
management regulations. However, in the same time period, 38 suspended communities 
adopted compliant regulations and were reinstated into the NFIP, representing a net gain 
of 18 participating communities due to suspensions and reinstatements. 
LOMC Violations
A Letter of Map Change (LOMC) is issued by FEMA to exclude land (and any building 
located on that land) from the Special Flood Hazard Area on a FIRM. LOMCs provide 
another means for FEMA to monitor community compliance and identify communities 
that need technical assistance. Occasionally, when a LOMC request sent to FEMA 
indicates that a floodplain management violation has occurred, the request is sent for 
resolution to the FEMA Region with jurisdiction for the area in which the property is 
located. Common violations uncovered in the LOMC process include fill in the floodway, 
buildings with their lowest floors below the Base Flood Elevation, and buildings 
constructed on fill in V-Zones. 
During 2002, there were 44 LOMC violations referred to FEMA Regions, and 6 LOMC 
violations were resolved.
A Safer America
Communities that meet FEMAs basic floodplain management requirements may 
participate in the NFIP, making them safer to live and work in and less likely to require 
disaster assistance after a flood. And, the bottom line is that flood insurance may be 
purchased only in those communities that participate in the NFIP. Once a community is 
mapped and enters the Regular Program, full limits of flood insurance are available. If 
FEMA has determined that the community is properly implementing its floodplain 
management responsibilities, it may be eligible to participate in the NFIPs incentive 
program, the Community Rating System (CRS). CRS communities receive discounts on 
flood insurance premiums for NFIP policyholders in exchange for engaging in activities 
that exceed the NFIPs basic floodplain management requirements.
In 35 years, the NFIP has grown to almost 20,000 communities. But if the NFIP is to 
cover America with its flood protection safety net most effectively, many more 
communities must take advantage of its benefits. 
What can you do to further this goal? 
Talk about the benefits of participating in the NFIP with your colleagues at trade 
association meetings and other events. Give them the NFIP web site address 
(www.fema.gov/nfip) and other contact information listed on Watermarks back tear-off 
flap. And, as always, send us your ideas for how to reach those communities that have 
not yet joined the program (see page 2 for Watermarks editorial addresses). With your 
help, we can make America safer from all hazards!

Community Status
The Emergency Program of the NFIP is the initial phase of a community's participation 
in the NFIP and is designed to provide a limited amount of insurance at less than actuarial 
rates. A community participating in the Emergency Program is usually provided with a 
Flood Hazard Boundary Map, and the community is required to adopt limited floodplain 
management requirements to control future use of its floodplains.
The Regular Program of the NFIP provides participating communities with a Flood 
Insurance Rate Map; a detailed engineering study, termed a Flood Insurance Study, is 
often conducted. Under the NFIPs Regular Program, more comprehensive floodplain 
management standards are required of a community in exchange for higher amounts of 
flood insurance coverage. 
"Mapped but Not Participating" communities (there were 1,600 of them by the end of 
2002) have been issued flood hazard maps by FEMA, but have chosen not to participate 
in the NFIP. Flood insurance is not available in these communities.  After these 
communities have been mapped for 1 year, federal financing for purchase or construction 
of buildings in the floodplain is prohibited. In a Presidentially declared flood disaster, a 
nonparticipating community is not eligible for federal financial assistance for permanent 
repair or reconstruction of insurable buildings in the floodplain

Tuning up the NFIP/CSC
Two studies under way are expected to present recommendations for streamlining NFIP 
operations. The first study is an evaluation of the entire NFIP; the second, nearing 
completion, investigates the feasibility of making elevation data available online.
A Report Card
 The laws and regulations governing the NFIP have changed a number of times since the 
programs implementation in 1968. Experience with flooding, disaster assistance, and 
hazard identification and mitigation, along with a desire to improve the program, have 
given rise to yearly program revisions and updates. Because of the programs size, scope, 
and national importance, FEMA convened a committee in May 1999 to establish a 
framework for conducting the first comprehensive evaluation of the NFIP. 
The committeeconsisting of FEMA staff, retired government executives, and experts 
from universities and the private sectorproduced a set of research questions designed to 
guide an assessment of the NFIPs effectiveness as well as to make recommendations for 
improving operations. The questions were grouped into six areas of inquiry: (1) 
Occupancy and Use of Floodplains, (2) Costs and Consequences of Flooding, (3) 
Insurance Rating and Indemnity Functions, (4) Floodplain Management and 
Enforcement, (5) Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, and (6) Marketing and 
Communications.
Has the NFIP affected public knowledge, occupancy, and use of the nations floodplains 
and other erosion-prone or flood-prone areas? Has the NFIP (and other government 
programs) been able to reduce, redistribute, or otherwise control total flood losses or have 
they increased?  Are the NFIPs mitigation efforts cost effective? When this study is 
completed, we hope to be able to answer these and other questions of concern to NFIP 
stakeholders. The study also examines the NFIPs effect on the need for, or cost of, 
federal disaster relief. What has been the impact on risk exposure and property loss of the 
programs minimum construction standards in Special Flood Hazard Areas? The 
committee is exploring the implications of making the 1-percent-probability flood a 
threshold for mandatory insurance purchase and flood management ordinances. 
This study will continue through 2004. 
Online ECs
In December 2000, FEMA held a forum for industry, government agencies, and academia 
on the possibility of developing online rating (e-rating) systems for flood insurance.  As a 
result of the forum, FEMA determined that numerous preliminary steps must precede the 
development of e-rating. The first step was a study to determine whether it is appropriate, 
feasible, and legally possible for the NFIP to obtain Elevation Certificate (EC) data for 
individual buildings and then make it available online.
Study tasks include legal analysis of EC information ownership. For 
example, who owns elevation informationthe property owner who paid for the EC, the 
community that required it, the company writing the policy, the government, or other 
parties? The study also examines issues of liability such as who is responsible when 
erroneous elevation information furnished by the government results in a loss for a 
homeowner, mortgagor or others, and, what are the governments responsibilities for 
errors and omissions that result in losses? Issues arising from requirements of the Privacy 
Act also are included in the study. Can the government collect data on privately owned 
structures and make it available to the public?
Two possible strategies have been developed to obtain elevation information. Neither 
strategy is exclusive, and the final choice may be a combination of these or other 
approaches. 
Strategy A calls for a means to gather into a single, accessible database all available ECs 
for buildings in the floodplain. This database would be continually updated as additional 
or better elevation information becomes available.
Strategy B calls for exploring new mapping technologies and combining these with other 
property data to gather elevation data and other important information such as estimates 
for a buildings lowest floor elevation. Possible technologies include Light Detection and 
Ranging (LIDAR) and InterFerometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR).  
Both strategies would consider questions such as, how will the NFIP obtain elevation 
information relative to the flood risk? How can we be sure that existing elevation 
information is reliable and lawful? What applicable technologies for collecting, 
disseminating, and maintaining data are available now? Do databases for this information 
already exist?  Are there opportunities for developing partnerships to obtain the required 
data? What will the short- and long-term costs of this initiative be, and how will the NFIP 
pay for them? Both strategies will identify operation and cost trends in collecting and 
making accessible to users the ground elevation data and other information. 
By making elevation information easier to get, we intend to foster the development of a 
future e-rating system that supports the actuarial rating of a flood insurance policy and 
the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP

35 Years of NFIP Highlights
Since 1968, when the National Flood Insurance Act created the NFIP, the program has 
come a long way. Following is a summary of the last 35 years. Visit the NFIP web site 
(www.fema.gov/nfip) to view the full historical perspective.
In the Beginning
The first communities to join the NFIP were Metairie, Louisiana, and Fairbanks, Alaska. 
The first flood policy was sold in June 1969 in Louisiana. By the start of the programs 
second year, four communities were enrolled in the Regular Phase of the program, and 16 
flood insurance policies had been sold.
The 1970s
In 1970, the first NFIP regulations for floodplain management were published. Congress 
passed the Coastal Zone Management Act in 1972. That year, Hurricane Agnes hit the 
Eastern Seaboard, killing more than 120 people. There were 95,000 policies in force; less 
than 1 percent of insurable damage was covered. This led Congress to amend the 
National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 with the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. 
In 1974, amendments to the Disaster Relief Act authorized the President to make 
contributions to State and local governments to help repair or replace public facilities 
damaged or destroyed by a major disasterthe first Congressional mandate for hazard 
mitigation as a precondition for Federal disaster assistance. That year, the first Letter of 
Map Amendment (LOMA) was issued. 
By 1978, more than 19,000 Flood Hazard Boundary Maps had been produced.
FEMA began operation in 1979, and was charged with coordinating Federal disaster 
response and recovery efforts. The Federal Insurance Administration and the NFIP were 
administered by FEMA. Late that year, Hurricane Frederic caused more than $2 billion in 
damage, resulting in the incorporation of wave heights into Base Flood Elevations for 
coastal flood hazard zones. By the end of 1979, nearly 16,600 communities were 
participating in the NFIP. More than 1.6 million flood insurance policies were in force. 
Total cumulative claims exceeded 146,000, and loss payments topped $572 million.
The 1980s
In 1981, a new rating system for Post-FIRM V-Zone buildings was implemented to 
reflect the additional risk of storm surge and wave height and to offer an individual risk-
rating option.
The Write Your Own (WYO) Program began in 1983. In the next year, 48 companies 
became participants.
In 1986, the first digital FIRM was produced for Tulsa, Oklahoma, beginning a 5-year, 
$20-million FEMA program to digitize 25,000 FIRM panels for about 75 percent of all 
properties at risk.
In 1989, the NFIP introduced the Condominium Master Policy (CMP) and the Preferred 
Risk Policy (PRP). In September, Hurricane Hugo struck the Carolinas after wreaking 
havoc in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Buildings that had been constructed to meet 
the NFIPs requirements for floodplain management performed well.
By the end of the 1980s, nearly 17,968 communities were participating in the NFIP. 
More than 2.2 million policies were in force. Total cumulative paid claims exceeded 
386,800, and loss payments topped $3.1 billion. The number of WYO companies writing 
flood insurance had risen to 83.
The 1990s
In 1990, the Community Rating System (CRS) was created to reward communities that 
voluntarily initiate activities to reduce flood losses or to increase the number of flood 
insurance policies.
The Mortgage Portfolio Protection Program (MPPP) began in 1991, allowing lenders to 
bring their portfolios into compliance with flood insurance purchase requirements. 
During the summer of 1993, the Great Midwest Flood showed that the nation had not yet 
reached an accommodation between nature and human occupancy. The President 
declared 505 counties in nine states to be Federal disaster areas. Damage was estimated 
as high as $16 billion. Most structures were not insured by the NFIP. That year, the NFIP 
experienced more than twice its historic loss level and borrowed $100 million from the 
Department of the Treasury. The borrowed funds were repaid during the following year.
In September 1994, the National Flood Insurance Reform Act (NFIRA) of 1994 was 
passed. That year the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy (RCBAP) 
was introduced. 
In 1997, the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage mandated by NFIRA was 
included in all new and renewal flood insurance policies. FEMA announced its Map 
Modernization Program, estimated to prevent approximately $26 billion in flood damages 
to new buildings over a 50-year period. 
In 1999, Hurricane Floyd struck the Eastern Seaboard, requiring more than $100 million 
in disaster assistance in North Carolina alone. 
By the end of the decade, more than 4.2 million flood insurance policies were in force, 
total cumulative paid claims exceeded 782,300, and loss payments topped $9.7 billion. 
FEMA had mapped 100 million acres of Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and 
designated about 6 million acres of floodways along 40,000 stream and river miles. There 
were 19,431 communities in the NFIP; 895 of these were participating in the CRS. 

The New Millennium
In 2000, the International Building Code and the International Residential Code were 
published. For the first time there were national model building codes that included the 
NFIPs construction provisions.  That year, the Standard Flood Insurance Policy was 
reformatted to more closely resemble a homeowners policy and use of the FEMA 
Elevation Certificate became mandatory. Also that year, the Stafford Act was amended 
by the Disaster Mitigation Act to establish a program of predisaster hazard-mitigation 
measures and require States to prepare comprehensive plans for emergency and disaster 
mitigation prior to receiving funds from FEMA.
In 2001, the NFIP eliminated its outstanding debt to the Department of the Treasury. This 
debt, which rose and fell over the years, had reached as much as $922 million in February 
1999.
By December 2002, more than 4.4 million policies were in force, distributed among 
19,859 communities, including 19,176 in the Regular Program and 683 in the Emergency 
Program. The number of WYO companies writing flood insurance had risen to 93. At this 
point, 959 communities were participating in the Community Rating System.
In 2003, FEMA became a part of the new Department of Homeland Security, and the 
NFIP became linked to FEMAs multihazard approach to prevention, partnership, and 
protection initiatives.

WYO Why Is the NFIP So FIRM?

Do you find yourself awash in acronyms when you read NFIP publications? If you could 
use a little help translating NFIP shorthand, here is a list of FUAs (Frequently Used 
Acronyms) for your reading pleasure. Keep it in your Flood Insurance Manual, your desk 
drawer, or some other handy place, and you could find that this list will save you time in 
demystifying NFIP terminology.

ACV	Actual Cash Value
BFE 	Base Flood Elevation
CBRA	Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982
CBRS	Coastal Barrier Resources System
CCO	Claims Coordinating Office
CRS	Community Rating System
CTP	Cooperating Technical Partner
DFIRM	Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map
DHS	Department of Homeland Security
EC	Elevation Certificate
EMI	Emergency Management Institute
FEMA	Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHBM	Flood Hazard Boundary Map
FICO	Flood Insurance Claims Office
FIRM	Flood Insurance Rate Map
FMA	Flood Mitigation Assistance [Program]
FRO	Flood Response Office
GIS	Geographic Information System
HAG	Highest Adjacent Ground [grade]
HAZUS	Hazards  United States
HMGP	Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
ICC	Increased Cost of Compliance [coverage]
LAG	Lowest Adjacent Ground [grade]
LODR	Letter of Determination Review
LOMA	Letter of Map Amendment
LOMR	Letter of Map Revision
LOMR-F	Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill
MPPP	Mortgage Portfolio Protection Program
MSC	Map Service Center
NFIP	National Flood Insurance Program
NFIRA	National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994
OPA	Otherwise Protected Area
PDM	Pre-Disaster Mitigation [Program]
RLP	Repetitive Loss Property
RLTG	Repetitive Loss Target Group
PRP	Preferred Risk Policy
RCBAP	Residential Condominium Building Association Policy
RCV	Replacement Cost Value
SDF	Special Direct Facility
SFHA	Special Flood Hazard Area
SFIP	Standard Flood Insurance Policy
TRC	Telephone Response Center
WYO	Write Your Own [Program] 

Just Around The Bend

STATE/EVENT	CITY	DATE

CALIFORNIA 	
Agent and Lender Seminar	Santa Rosa	September 17
Agent and Lender Seminar	Napa	September 25
MBA Annual Conference	San Diego	October 19-22
NAIC Winter Meeting	Anaheim	December 5-10

COLORADO 	
Agent and Lender Seminar	Denver	September 17
Agent and Lender Seminar	Denver	October 15
Agent and Lender Seminar	Denver	November 14
Agent and Lender Seminar	Denver	December 9
Agent and Lender Seminar	Greeley	December 16
Agent and Lender Seminar	Loveland	December 17

CONNECTICUT 	
Agent Workshop	Wethersfield	September 16
Agent Workshop	Norwalk	September 17
Agent Workshop	Norwich	September 18
Lender Seminar	Bridgeport	October 10
Agent Workshop	Middletown	December 4

FLORIDA
IBHS Natural Hazard Loss 
 Reduction Congress	Orlando	November 13-14

GEORGIA
Agent Workshop	Dunwoody	September 9
Lender Seminar	Dunwoody	September 10
NAII Annual Conference	Atlanta	November 9-12

ILLINOIS
Lender Seminar	Schaumburg	August 12
Lender Seminar	Springfield	August 21
NAIC Fall Meeting	Chicago	September 13-17

INDIANA
Agent Workshop	Scottsburg	October 21
Agent Workshop	Jasper	October 22
Agent Workshop	Terre Haute	October 23

IOWA
Agent and Lender Seminar	Council Bluffs	August 26
Agent and Lender Seminar	Sioux City	August 27
Agent and Lender Seminar	Des Moines	August 28

KANSAS
Agent Workshop	Wichita	September 25

LOUISIANA
NAMIC Annual Meeting	New Orleans	September 21-24

MARYLAND
Agent Workshop	Lanham	September 23
Lender Seminar	Lanham	September 24

MASSACHUSETTES
Agent Workshop	Marthas Vineyard	August 21
Surveyor Seminar	Hyannis	October 24

STATE/EVENT	CITY	DATE

MINNESOTA
Lender Seminar	Edina	August 28

MONTANA
Agent and Lender Seminar	Missoula	September 23
Agent and Lender Seminar	Libbey	September 24
Agent and Lender Seminar	Kalispell	September 25

NEVADA
IIABA Annual Conference	Las Vegas	September 21-24

NEW JERSEY
Agent Workshop	Iselin	September 24

NEW MEXICO
NCOIL Annual Conference	Santa Fe	November 20-23

NEW YORK
Agent Workshop	New York City	October 31 

NORTH DAKOTA
Agent and Lender Seminar	Bismark	November 10
Agent and Lender Seminar	Fargo	November 11
Agent and Lender Seminar	Grand Forks	November 12

OHIO
Lender Seminar	Rossford	September 10
Agent Workshop	Zanesville	September 23
Agent Workshop	Chillicothe	September 24
Agent Workshop	Miamisburg	September 25

PENNSYLVANIA
Agent Workshop	Harleysville	September 10
Agent Workshop	Harleysville	September 18
Agent Workshop	Carlisle	October 18

RHODE ISLAND
Agent Workshop	Warwick	August 26

TENNESSEE	
ICC Codes Forum	Nashville	September 5-14

WYOMING	
Agent and Lender Seminar	Rock Springs	October 6
Agent and Lender Seminar	Greybull	October 7
Agent and Lender Seminar	Lander	October 8

Acronyms used in Just Around The Bend:
IBHS	Institute for Business and Home Safety
IIABA	Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America
MBA	Mortgage Bankers Association
NAIC	National Association of Insurance Commissioners
NAII	National Association of Independent Insurers
NAMIC	National Association of Mutual Insurance Companie

ReSources
Watermark seeks to serve its readers with as wide a variety of resources as possible. We 
remain dedicated to disseminating information about flood insurance. As our readership 
expands to include more engineers, surveyors, and community planners, we hope to 
increase the available resources to ensure that all of our stakeholders can provide 
themselves, their clients, and their community members with the tools needed to better 
protect against flood losses.
We offer this information for reference but do not endorse any product, company, or 
service. Web site addresses may have changed since this edition of Watermark went to 
press.
Publications
Protect Your Commercial Property From Water Damage 
The Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) has produced a flier designed to help 
business owners protect their commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities from 
water damage. 
Visit the IBHS online (www.ibhs.org) for more information about this organizations 
initiatives to make communities safer from a wide range of hazards. Click on "Flood" to 
access the link to Protect Your Commercial Property From Water Damage. 
Floods: They Only Happen to 10 Million Other Households
This pamphlet, produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is designed to encourage 
property owners to investigate the degree of flood risk to their property and outlines 
protective actions they can take. It is available by 
e-mail (joseph.remondini@usace.army.mil) or by telephone (918-669-7197).
Off the Charts
This publication produced by the Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project (TSARP) is a 
post-disaster report discussing damage, relief, and recovery after a devastating tropical 
storm.  It is available at the TSARP web site (tsarp.org/products.asp).

Off the Charts
This publication produced by the Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project (TSARP) is a 
post-disaster report discussing damage, relief, and recovery after a devastating tropical 
storm. Available at the TSARP web site (tsarp.org/products.asp).

Web Sites
fima.fema.net/state_profiles.html 
FEMAs State Mitigation Profiles page links to contact and background information for 
each States emergency management officials and their FEMA regional counterparts. The 
Profiles are used as a tool for facilitating a constructive dialogue between FEMA and 
State officials for reducing disaster losses nationwide through mitigation. The Profiles are 
also used to prepare speeches, congressional briefings, and press releases. Updated 
annually, the Profiles provide an accurate overview of each States mitigation strengths 
and areas that would benefit from FEMA resources. 
vu.iiaa.net/Courses/CoursesMain.htm
Flood insurance training is now part of the commercial lines and personal property 
insurance courses offered by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Americas 
online Virtual University. Visit the first web site listed above for information about 
commercial and personal lines.
www.fema.gov/fhm/frm_soft.shtm 
The National Flood Frequency (NFF) program software was developed by the U.S. 
Geological Survey (USGS)to estimate approximate peak discharges for river basins 
without gauges. Learn how the NFF is used in the NFIP to estimate peak discharges by 
taking the new NFF tutorial, designed as a companion to the latest release of the NFF. Be 
sure to scroll down to the USGS listing. Additional information about the NFF program 
is available at the USGS web site (www.water.usgs.gov). 
www.fema.gov/mit/tsd/ot_main.shtm
FEMA released LOMA and LOMR-F tutorials this spring. These tutorials, based on the 
revised MT-EZ and MT-1 forms published in 2002, respectively, are intended to walk 
users through the Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) and Letter of Map Revision Based 
on Fill (LOMR-F) application processes. The tutorials provide users with helpful tips and 
links, as well as interactive forms that are available for downloading.
www.fema.gov/nfip/condo_time.shtm
A range of flood insurance condominium information is available at this site for 
community associations, condominium unit owners, cooperatives, timeshare, and other 
common-interest living entities.