Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements 
for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas 
in accordance with the 
National Flood Insurance Program 


FIA-TB-2 

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 
FEDERAL INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION 4/93 


Key Word/Subject index: 

This index allows the user to quickly locate key words and subjects in this Technical Bulletin. 
The Technical Bulletin Users Guide (printed separately) provides references to key 
words and subjects throughout the Technical Bulletins. For definitions of selected terms, 
refer to the Glossary at the end of this bulletin. 

Key Word/Subject Page 
Breakaway wall materials in V zones, made of flood-resistant materials 12 
Flood-resistant flooring materials 4 
Flood-resistant material, definition of 1 
Flood-resistant materials, classifications, use of 2 
Flood-resistant wall and ceiling materials 7 
Latticework in V zones, made of flood-resistant materials 12 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Flood Proofing Regulations 2 


Any comments on the Technical Bulletins should be directed to: 

FEMA/FIA 
Office of Loss Reduction 
Technical Standards Division 
500 C St., SW, Room 417 
Washington, D.C. 20472 


Technical Bulletin 2-93 replaces Technical Bulletin 88-2 (draft) Flood-Resistant Materials. 

Graphic design based on the Japanese print The Great Wave Off Kanagawa, by Katsushika Hokusai [1 7601849), 
Asiatic collection, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 


TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2-93 


Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements 
for Buildings Located In Special Flood Hazard Areas 
in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program 


Introduction 

The requirement to use construction and finishing materials that are resistant to flood damage in 
all new and substantially improved buildings in identified Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) 
is an important part of the National Flood Insurance Programs (NFIPs) flood-damage-resistant 
design and construction standards. A residential buildings lowest floor is required to be elevated 
to or above the base flood elevation (BFE). All construction below the lowest floor is susceptible 
to flooding and must consist of flood-resistant materials. Uses of enclosed areas below the 
lowest floor in a residential building are limited to parking, building access, and limited storage
areas that can withstand inundation by floodwater without sustaining significant structural 
damage. 

The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide data and guidance on what constitute materials 
resistant to flood damage and how and when these materials must be used to improve a 
buildings ability to withstand flooding. 

NFIP Regulations 

Section 60.3(a)(3) of the NFIP regulations requires that the community: 

Review all permit applications to determine whether proposed building sites will be 

reasonably safe from flooding. If a proposed building site is in a floodprone area, all new 

construction and substantial improvements shall... be constructed with materials resis


tant to flood damage... 

It should be noted that Technical Bulletins provide guidance on the minimum requirements 
of the NFIP regulations. Community or State requirements that exceed those of the NFIP 
take precedence. Design professionals should contact the community to determine whether 
more restrictive local or State regulations apply to the building or site in question. All 
applicable standards of the State or local building code must also be met for any building in 
a flood hazard area. 

Required Use of Flood-Resistant Materials 

Flood-Resistant Material 

Flood-resistant material is defined as any building material capable of withstanding direct and 
prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining significant damage. The term prolonged 
contact means at least 72 hours, and the term significant damage means any damage requiring 
more than low-cost cosmetic repair (such as painting). 

1 


As stated previously, all structural and non-structural building materials at or below the 
BFE must be flood resistant. This requirement applies regardless of the expected or historic 
flood duration. For example, buildings in coastal areas that experience relatively short-duration 
flooding (generally, flooding with a duration of less than 24 hours) must be constructed with 
flood-resistant materials below the BFE. As noted in the tables within this bulletin, only Class 4 
and Class 5 materials are acceptable for areas below the BFE in floodprone buildings. 

In some instances, Class 1,2, and 3 materials may be permitted below the BFE, when specifically 
required to meet local building code provisions concerning life-safety issues. In below-
BFE applications, materials that meet life-safety code requirements and have maximum resistance 
to damage from flood inundation should be used. This applies to the flood-resistant requirements 
only. In Zones V, VE, and V 1 -V30, the installation of such materials may create an 
obstruction. Because obstructions in V zones could result in structural failure of the building, 
they represent a life-safety issue and shall therefore take precedence over local building codes. 
Refer to Technical Bulletin 5, Free of Obstruction Requirements, for further information. 

Lowest Floor 

Under the NFIP, the term lowest floor is used to define the lowest level of a building that must 
be located at or above the BFE as required under Sections 60.3(c)(2) and (3) of the NFIP regulations. 
The floodplain management regulations, under Section 60.3(c)(5), limit the use of all 
areas below the lowest floor to parking of vehicles, storage, and building access. These reasonable 
uses below the BFE are permitted because the amount of damage caused by flooding to 
these areas can easily be kept to a minimum if design and construction requirements contained in 
the NFIP regulations are met. Failure to meet the requirements can increase the buildings 
damage potential and result in the application of higher flood insurance premiums. The requirement 
to use flood-resistant materials means that all interior wall, floor, and ceiling materials 
located below the BFE be unfinished and resistant to flood damage. This is meant to exclude the 
use of materials and finishes normally associated with living areas constructed above the BFE. 

Flood Insurance Implication 

An NFIP flood insurance requirement regarding the use of materials in areas below the BFE 
must also be considered. Flood insurance will not pay a claim for finishing materials (such as 
clay floor tiles) located in basements or in enclosed areas below the lowest floor of an elevated 
building, even if such materials are considered to be flood resistant. The NFIP defines finishing 
materials as anything beyond basic wall construction. 

Flood-Resistant Classification of Materials 

The information in this Technical Bulletin is based primarily on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 
(COE) 1992 Flood Proofing Regulations.  The following table (Table 1) classifies 
building materials according to their ability to resist flood damage. 

2 



Table 1 Flood-Resistant Classification of Materials 
N 
F 
I Class Class Description 
P 
A 
c 
c 
E 
P 
T 
A 
B 
L 
E 
5 Highly resistant to floodwater damage. Materials 
within this class are permitted for partially enclosed 
or outside uses with essentially unmitigated flood 
exposure. 
4 Resistant to floodwater damage. Materials within 
this class may be exposed to and/or submerged in 
floodwaters in interior spaces and do not require 
special waterproofing protection. 
u 
N 
A 
c 
c 
E 
P 
T 
A 
B 
L 
E 
3 Resistant to clean water damage. Materials within 
this class may be submerged in clean water during 
periods of intentional flooding. 
2 Not resistant to water damage. Materials within this 
class require essentially dry spaces that may be 
subject to water vapor and slight seepage. 
1 Not resistant to water damage. Materials within this 
class require conditions of dryness. 

Source: COE 1992 Floodproofing Regulations 

3 



Flooring Materials 

Table 2 lists flooring materials commonly used in construction that fall within the five classes 
described in Table 1. Not all available construction and finishing materials are listed. For products 
not listed herein, manufacturers literature should be reviewed for recommended uses. Such 
recommendations must be complied with fully. All masonry and wood products used in 
floodprone buildings must comply with the applicable materials standards of the nationally 
recognized standards organizations, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials 
(ASTM), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and the American Wood Products Association 
(AWPA). 

Basis for Classification of Flooring Materials 

The classification of flooring materials is based on their vulnerability to damage from inundation 
by floodwaters. Class 1,2, and 3 flooring materials are not acceptable for below-BFE applications 
for one or more of the following reasons: 

l Normal suspended-floor adhesives specified for above-grade use are water soluble or are not 
resistant to alkali or acid in water, including ground seepage and vapor. 
l Flooring materials contain wood and wood products. 
l Flooring materials are not resistant to alkali or acid in water, 
l Sheet-type floor coverings (linoleum, rubber, and vinyl) restrict evaporation from below. 
l Flooring materials are impervious but dimensionally unstable. 
4 



Table 2 Flooring Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 


Types of Flooring Materials 
Classes of Flooring 
Acceptable Unacceptable 
5 4 3 2 1 
Asphalt Tile1 l 
With asphaltic adhesives l 
Carpeting (glued down type) l 
Cement/bituminous, formed-in-place l 
Cement/latex, formed-in-place l 
Ceramic tile1 l 
With acid-and alkali-resistant grout l 
Chipboard l 
Clay tile l 
Concrete, precast or in-situ l 
Concrete tile l 
Cork l 
Enamel felt-base floor coverings l 
Epoxy, formed-in-place l 
Linoleum l 
Magnesite (magnesium oxychloride) l 
Mastic felt-base floor covering l 
Mastic flooring, formed-in-place l 
Polyurethane, formed-in-place l 
PVA emulsion cement l 
Rubber sheets1 l 
With chemical-set adhesives2,3 l 
Rubber tile1 l 
With chemical-set adhesives l 
Silicone floor, formed-in-place l 

5 



Table 2 Flooring Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 
Types of Flooring Materials 
Classes of Flooring 
Acceptable Unacceptable 
5 4 3 2 1 
Terrazo l 
Vinyl sheets (homogeneous) 1 l 
With chemical-set adhesives2,3 l 
Vinyl tile (homogeneous) 1 l 
With chemical-set adhesives l 
Vinyl tile or sheets (coated on cork or wood 
product backings) l 
Vinyl-asbestos tile (semi-flexible vinyl) 1 l 
With asphaltic adhesives l 
Wood flooring or underlay merits l 
Wood composition blocks, laid in cement mortar l 
Wood composition blocks, dipped and laid in 
hot pitch or bitumen l 
Pressure-treated lumber, .40 CCA4 l 
Naturally decay-resistant lumber4,5 l 
Notes: 1 Using normally specified suspended flooring (i.e., above-
grade) adhesives, including sulfite liquor (Iignin or linoleum 
paste), rubber/asphaltic dispersions, or alcohol type resinous 
adhesives (culmar, oleoresin) 
2 Not permitted as Class 2 flooring 
3 E.g., epoxy-polyamide adhesives or latex-hydraulic cement 
4 Not in the COE list; added by FEMA 
5 Refer to local building code for guidance 

6 



Wall and Ceiling Materials 

Table 3 lists wall and ceiling materials commonly used in construction that fall within the five 
classes described in Table 1. Not all available construction and finishing materials are listed. 
For products not listed herein, manufacturers literature should be reviewed for recommended 
uses. Such recommendations must be complied with fully. All masonry and wood products used 
in floodprone buildings must comply with the applicable materials standards of the nationally 
recognized standards organizations, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials 
(ASTM), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and the American Wood Products Association 
(AWPA). 

Basis for Classification of Wall and Ceiling Materials 

The classification of wall and ceiling materials is based on their vulnerability to damage from 
inundation by floodwaters. Class 1, 2, and 3 wall and ceiling materials are not acceptable for 
below-BFE applications for one or more of the following reasons: 

l Normal adhesives specified for above-grade use are water soluble or are not resistant to alkali 
or acid in water, including ground seepage and vapor. 
l Wall and ceiling material contains wood, wood products, gypsum products, or other material 
that dissolves or deteriorates, loses structural integrity, or is adversely affected by water. 
l Wall or ceiling material is not resistant to alkali or acid in water. 
l Wall or ceiling material is impervious but is dimensionally unstable. 
l Wall or ceiling materials absorb or retain water excessively after submergence. 
7 



Table 3 Walls and Ceiling Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 
Types of Wall and Ceiling Materials 
Classes of Walls and Ceilings 
Acceptable Unacceptable 
5 4 3 2 1 
Asbestos-cement board (and cement board1) l 
Brick, face or glazed l 
Common l 
Cabinets, built-in 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 
Woo d l 
Metal l 
Cast stone (in waterproof mortar) l 
Chalkboards 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 
Slate, porcelain glass, nucite glass l 
Cement-asbestos l 
Composition, painted l 
Chipboard l 
Exterior sheathing grade l 
Clay tile . ....... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Structural glazed l 
Ceramic veneer, ceramic wall tile-mortar set l 
Ceramic veneer, organic adhesives l 
Concrete l 
Concrete block l 
Corkboard l 
Doors 
... 
Wood hollow l 
Wood, lightweight panel construction l 
Wood, solid l 
Metal, hollow l 
Metal, Kalamein l 
Table 3 Walls and Ceiling Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 
Types of Wall and Ceiling Materials 
Classes of Walls and Ceilings 
Acceptable Unacceptable 
5 4 3 2 1 
Asbestos-cement board (and cement board1) l 
Brick, face or glazed l 
Common l 
Cabinets, built-in 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 
Woo d l 
Metal l 
Cast stone (in waterproof mortar) l 
Chalkboards 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 
Slate, porcelain glass, nucite glass l 
Cement-asbestos l 
Composition, painted l 
Chipboard l 
Exterior sheathing grade l 
Clay tile . ....... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Structural glazed l 
Ceramic veneer, ceramic wall tile-mortar set l 
Ceramic veneer, organic adhesives l 
Concrete l 
Concrete block l 
Corkboard l 
Doors 
... 
Wood hollow l 
Wood, lightweight panel construction l 
Wood, solid l 
Metal, hollow l 
Metal, Kalamein l 
8 



Types of Wall and Ceiling Materials Acceptable I Unacceptable; 
5 4 3 2 1 
Fiberboard panels, vegetable types 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .,.:.: , ,.:. , , , ,. ,.,.,.:.:.:.,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
. . . . . . . . . . . 
Sheathing grade (asphalt coated or impregnated) l 
Otherwise l 
Gypsum products 
Gypsum board (including greenboard1 ) l 
Keenes cement of plaster l 
Plaster, otherwise, including acoustical l 
Sheathing panels, exterior grade l 
Glass (sheets, colored tiles, panels) l 
Table 3 Walls and Ceiling Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 
] Classes of Walls and Ceilings 
Batt or blanket types l 
All other types l 
Metals, non-ferrous (aluminum, copper, or zinc tiles) 
Set in water-soluble adhesives I 
l 
Types of Wall and Ceiling Materials Acceptable I Unacceptable; 
5 4 3 2 1 
Fiberboard panels, vegetable types 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .,.:.: , ,.:. , , , ,. ,.,.,.:.:.:.,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
. . . . . . . . . . . 
Sheathing grade (asphalt coated or impregnated) l 
Otherwise l 
Gypsum products 
Gypsum board (including greenboard1 ) l 
Keenes cement of plaster l 
Plaster, otherwise, including acoustical l 
Sheathing panels, exterior grade l 
Glass (sheets, colored tiles, panels) l 
Table 3 Walls and Ceiling Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 
] Classes of Walls and Ceilings 
Batt or blanket types l 
All other types l 
Metals, non-ferrous (aluminum, copper, or zinc tiles) 
Set in water-soluble adhesives I 
l 
9 



Table 3 Walls and Ceiling Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 

Classes of Walls and Ceilings 

Types of Wall and Ceiling Materials 

Acceptable 

Unacceptable 

5 
Paint 
Polyester-epoxy and other waterproof types 
All other types 
Paperboard 
Partitions, folding 
Wood, pressure treated, .40 CCA minimum 1 

(if not treated, then material is Class 2) 
Metal 
Fabric-covered 


Partitions, stationary 
Wood, pressure treated, .40 CCA minimum 1 

(if not treated, then material is Class 2) 

Metal 
Glass, unreinforced 
Glass, reinforced 
Gypsum, solid or block 


Rubber, moldings and trim with epoxy polyamide 
adhesive or latex-hydraulic cement 
All other applications 
Steel, (paneIs, trim, tile) with waterproof 

applications 
With non-waterproof adhesive 

Stone, natural solid or veneer, waterproof grout 
Stone, artificial non-absorbent solid or veneer, 

waterproof grout 
All other applications 

4 3 2 1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 
l 
l 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,.. . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 
l 
l 
l 
l 
l 
l 
l 
l 
l 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
. . . . . . . . . . . 

Table 3 Walls and Ceiling Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 
Classes of Walls and Ceilings 
Types of Wall and Ceiling Materials Acceptable unacceptable 
5 4 3 2 1 
Strawboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exterior grade (asphalt-impregnated kraft paper) l 
All other types l 
Wall covering 
. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . .:.:..
. . . . . . . ........ . . 
Paper, burlap, cloth types 
Wood 
Solid, standard l 
Solid, naturally decay-resistant1,2 l 
Solid pressure treated, .40 CCA minimum1 l 
Plywood 
Marine Grade1 l 
Pressure treated, .40 CCA minimum1 l 
Exterior grade l 
Otherwise l 
Table 3 Walls and Ceiling Materials Classifications for Flood Resistance 
Classes of Walls and Ceilings 
Types of Wall and Ceiling Materials Acceptable unacceptable 
5 4 3 2 1 
Strawboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Exterior grade (asphalt-impregnated kraft paper) l 
All other types l 
Wall covering 
. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . .:.:..
. . . . . . . ........ . . 
Paper, burlap, cloth types 
Wood 
Solid, standard l 
Solid, naturally decay-resistant1,2 l 
Solid pressure treated, .40 CCA minimum1 l 
Plywood 
Marine Grade1 l 
Pressure treated, .40 CCA minimum1 l 
Exterior grade l 
Otherwise l 
Note: 1 Not on the COE list; added by FEMA 
2 Refer to local building code for guidance 



Construction Examples 

Flood-Resistant Materials in Buildings in Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO, and AH 

Figure 1 illustrates a building elevated on solid foundation walls, over a crawlspace. The NFIP 
regulations require that the lowest floor be at or above the BFE. The construction method illus


trated in Figure 1 meets this requirement. Note, however, that the flooring materials and supporting 
wood members are at or below the BFE. Therefore, in Figure 1, all materials supporting 

the lowest floor, including the flooring itself, must be made of flood-resistant materials. 

To maximize the use of the area below the lowest floor, it is a common floodplain construction 
technique to elevate a building a full story (approximately 8 feet), even though the BFE may 
only be 4 or 5 feet above grade. In such cases, while the NFIP regulations require that Class 4 or 
5 building materials be used below the BFE, FEMA strongly recommends that Class 4 or Class 5 
materials also be used for the construction of the remainder of the building below the lowest 
floor. Flood damage from a greater-than-design flood event will thereby be reduced in the lower 
area. 

Flood-Resistant Materials in 
Buildings in Zones V, VE, and 
V1-V30 

All structural and non-structural 

Flooring

materials installed below the 

lowest 

Floor 

BFE 
Floor Joists 

BFE must be flood resistant . 


Sub Floor

The NFIP regulations require 

Sill Plate

that the bottom of the lowest 
horizontal structural member of 

Foundation

the lowest floor (usually the 

Wall 

floor beam or girder) of a 
building in Zone V, VE, or VlV30 
be at or above the BFE. 


Foundation 

Opening

Therefore, all materials below 
the floor beam(s) must be flood 
resistant. This includes but is 
not limited to breakaway wall 
materials and open latticework. 
Breakaway walls will remain in 
place during low-level floods 
and must be flood resistant, so 
that they will not deteriorate 
over time after being soaked by 
floodwaters. Figure 2, on the 


next page, illustrates this re-Figure 1. Building Elevated on Solid Foundation Walls Meeting the 
Minimum NFIP Requirements for Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AR,

quirement. 

AO, and AH 

12 



D 
. 
. 
D 
. 
. 
Bottom of the lowest horizontal 
structural rnernber of the lowest floor 
I I 
I I 
II II II II II 
II II 

I 

I 

I I 

SECTION ELEVATION 

Figure2. Flood-Resistant Material Requirements for Buildings Elevated in Accordance with NFIP Requirements 
for Zones V, VE, and V1 -V30 

Accessory Buildings 

Some communities permit the construction of low-cost, small detached accessory buildings (e.g., 
garages, storage sheds) with a lowest floor elevation below the BFE (Technical Bulletin 5, Freeof-
Obstruction Requirements, provides definitions of low-cost and small). The below-BFE 
portions of such buildings must be constructed of flood-resistant materials so that flood damage 
will be minimized. Additional construction requirements for these buildings, such as the need to 
anchor the building to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement, also must be met before 
the building is permitted and built. For additional information about these requirements, contact 
the community that has permitting jurisdiction. 

Wet FloodproofIng 

Wet floodproofing is designing a building to allow floodwaters to enter in order to equalize 
hydrostatic forces. The NFIP does not allow wet floodproofing in lieu of meeting the lowest 

13 



floor elevation requirements. However, in situations where the NFIP regulations do not apply, 

such as voluntary floodproofing of an existing (Pre-FIRM) building not in association with 

substantial improvements, the use of flood-resistant materials is advisable. Using flood-resistant 

materials will make cleanup and repair following a flood much easier and less costly than if the 

floodprone areas are constructed of non-flood-resistant materials. 

The NFIP 

The NFIP was created by Congress in 1968 to provide federally backed flood insurance cover


age, because flood insurance was generally unavailable from private insurance companies. The 

NFIP is also intended to reduce future flood losses by identifying floodprone areas and ensuring 

that new development in these areas is adequately protected from flood damage. The NFIP is 

based on an agreement between the federal government and participating communities that have 

been identified as floodprone. FEMA, through the Federal Insurance Administration (FIA), 

makes flood insurance available to the residents of a participating community provided that the 

community adopts and enforces adequate floodplain management regulations that meet the 

minimum NFIP requirements. The NFIP encourages communities to adopt floodplain manage


ment ordinances that exceed the minimum NFIP criteria. Included in the NFIP requirements, 

found under Title 44 of the U.S. Code of the Federal Regulations, are minimum building design 

and construction standards for buildings located in SFHAS. Through their floodplain manage


ment ordinances, communities adopt the NFIP design performance standards for new and sub


stantially improved buildings located in floodprone areas identified on FIAs FIRMs. 

Technical Bulletins 

This is one of a series of Technical Bulletins FEMA has produced to provide guidance concerning 
the building performance standards of the NFIP. These standards are contained in Title 44 of 
the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at Section 60.3. The bulletins are intended for use primarily 
by State and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing NFIP regulations and 
by members of the development community, such as design professionals and builders. New 
bulletins, as well as updates of existing bulletins, are issued periodically, as necessary. The 
bulletins do not create regulations; rather they provide specific guidance for complying with the 
minimum requirements of existing NFIP regulations. Users of the Technical Bulletins who need 
additional guidance concerning NFIP regulatory requirements should contact the Natural Hazards 
Branch of the appropriate FEMA regional office. The Users Guide to Technical Bulletins 
lists the bulletins issued to date and provides a key word/subject index for the entire series. 

Ordering Information 

Copies of the Technical Bulletins can be obtained from the appropriate FEMA regional office. 
Technical Bulletins can also be ordered from the FEMA publications warehouse. Use of FEMA 
Form 60-8 will result in a more timely delivery from the warehouse  the form can be obtained 
from FEMA regional offices and your states Office of Emergency Management. Send publication 
requests to FEMA Publications, P,O. Box 70274, Washington, D.C. 20024. 

14 


Further Information 

The following publications provide further information concerning the use of flood-resistant 
materials: 

1. 
Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings, FEMA, May 1991, 
FEMA-213. 
2. 
Floodproofing Non-Residential Structures, FEMA, May 1986, FEMA- 102. 
3. 
Flood Proofing Regulations, Chapters 9 and 10, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, March 
1992, EP 1165-2-314. 
4. 
Flood Proofing Systems and Techniques, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, December, 1984. 
5. 
Repairing Your Flooded Home, FEMA and the American Red Cross, August 1992, 
FEMA-234, ARC 4477. 
6. 
Technical Notes for Brick Construction,Brick Institute of America, McLean, Virginia, n.d. 
Glossary 

Base flood  The flood that has a 1-percent probability of being equaled or exceeded in any 
given year (also referred to as the 100-year flood). 

Base Flood Elevation (BFE)  The height of the base flood, usually in feet, in relation to the 
National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 or other datum as specified. 

Basement  Any area of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. 

Coastal High Hazard Area  An area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to the 
inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high-
velocity wave action from storms or seismic sources. 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  The independent federal agency that, in 
addition to carrying out other activities, oversees the administration of the National Flood Insurance 
Program. 

Federal Insurance Administration (FIA)  The component of FEMA directly responsible for 
administering the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)  The insurance and floodplain management map issued 
by FEMA that identifies, on the basis of detailed or approximate analyses, areas of 100- year 
flood hazard in a community. 

Floodprone area  Any land area susceptible to being inundated by floodwater from any 
source. 

15 



Lowest floor  The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area of a building, including a basement. 
Any NFIP-compliant unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure useable solely for parking of 
vehicles, building access, or storage (in an area other than a basement) is not considered a 
buildings lowest floor. 

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)  Area delineated on a Flood Insurance Rate Map as 
being subject to inundation by the base flood and designated as Zone A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO, 
AH, V, VE, or V1-V30. 

Substantial damage  Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of 
restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the 
market value of the structure before the damage occurred. 

Substantial improvement  Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement 
of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure 
before the start of construction of the improvement. This term includes structures that have 
incurred substantial damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed. 

16