300 PUBLIC INFORMATION ACTIVITIES 

The Community Rating System (CRS) will credit those local activities that advise people 
about the flood hazard, flood insurance, and flood protection measures. The activities can be 
directed toward floodplain residents, property owners, insurance agents, real estate agents, or 
other segments of the local populace. One activity, 310 (Elevation Certificates), is mandatory 
for CRS classification. 

Contents of Series 300 

Section 
Page 

300 
Public Information........................................................................300-
1 
301 Definition of Building.......................................................300-
3 
302 Impact Adjustment for Buildings ..........................................300-
4 
303 Counting Buildings...............................................................300-
7 


310 
Elevation Certificates ...................................................................310-
1 
311 Credit Points ........................................................................310-
4 
312 Impact Adjustment ...............................................................310-
9 
313 Credit Calculation ..............................................................310-12 
314 Credit Documentation.........................................................310-14 
315 For More Information.........................................................310-15 


320 
Map Information Service ..............................................................320-
1 
321 Credit Points ......................................................................320-11 
322 Credit Calculation ..............................................................320-11 
323 Credit Documentation.........................................................320-12 
324 For More Information.........................................................320-14 


330 
Outreach Projects .........................................................................330-
1 
331 Credit Points ........................................................................330-
3 
332 Credit Calculation ..............................................................330-20 
333 Credit Documentation.........................................................330-20 
334 For More Information.........................................................330-23 


340 
Hazard Disclosure ........................................................................340-
1 
341 Credit Points ........................................................................340-
2 
342 Credit Calculation ................................................................340-
8 
343 Credit Documentation...........................................................340-
8 
344 For More Information.........................................................340-10 


350 
Flood Protection Information........................................................350-
1 
351 Credit Points ........................................................................350-
3 
352 Credit Calculation ................................................................350-
9 
353 Credit Documentation...........................................................350-
9 
354 For More Information.........................................................350-10 


CRS Coordinators Manual 300-
1 
Edition: 2006 


Public Information Activities 

360 
Flood Protection Assistance..........................................................360-
1 
361 Credit Points ........................................................................360-
3 
362 Credit Calculation ................................................................360-
5 
363 Credit Documentation...........................................................360-
6 
364 For More Information...........................................................360-
7 


List of Figures 

310-1. Floodvilles activity worksheets for elevation certificates 

 (AW-310-1 and AW-310-2) ....................................................310-16 
310-2. FEMAs elevation certificate..................................................310-18 
310-3. Elevation Certificate Quick Reference Guide..........................310-32 
310-4. Guidance for verifying building compliance using the FEMA 

 Elevation Certificate ..............................................................310-36 
310-5. FEMAs floodproofing certificate...........................................310-38 
310-6. FEMAs residential basement floodproofing certificate ..........310-39 
310-7. Communities approved for residential basement 

 floodproofing rating credit .....................................................310-40 


320-1. Handout on mandatory purchase of flood insurance..................320-
4 
320-2. Floodvilles map information record.........................................320-
5 
320-3. Flood hazard determination review...........................................320-
7 
320-4. Provisions of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act.......................320-
8 
320-5. Sample log for map information service .................................320-14 


330-1. Floodvilles outreach project to the community ........................330-8 
330-2. Example letter promoting flood insurance ..............................330-21 
330-3. Floodvilles evaluation report for its 

 outreach project (AW-330-3) .................................................330-25 


340-1. Sample real estate agents brochure..........................................340-
7 


CRS Coordinators Manual 300-
2 
Edition: 2006 


Public Information Activities 

301 Definition of Building 

For the purpose of determining CRS impact adjustment ratios, a building is a walled 
and roofed structure, principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site. The 
term includes a manufactured (mobile) home on a foundation. Walled and roofed 
means that a building has two or more rigid exterior walls in place and is adequately 
anchored. Principally above ground means that at least 51% of the actual cash value 
of the building is above ground. The term is the same as structure in the National 
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations (44 CFR 59.1). 

The key determinant is whether the building is insurable. It must meet the following criteria, 
which are taken from the Glossary in the NFIPs Flood Insurance Manual for insurance 
agents: 

A building is a walled and roofed structure, other than a gas or liquid storage tank, that is 
principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site; including a building in the course 
of construction, alteration or repair and a manufactured (mobile) home on a foundation. 

Walled and roofed means it has in place two or more exterior rigid walls and the roof fully 
secured so that the building will resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement. 

Principally above ground means at least 51 percent of the actual cash value of the structure, 
including machinery and equipment, less land value, is above ground. 

Manufactured (mobile) home is a building transportable in one or more sections, which is 
built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation 
when attached to the required utilities. The term does not include a recreational vehicle. 

This definition is used to determine whether a structure is a building. 

Examples of structures that are NOT counted as buildings include open pavilions for picnic 
tables; bleachers; carports with open sides; underground pumping stations; and sheds on skids 
that are moved to different construction sites. 

Accessory structures are not included when counting buildings for calculating impact 
adjustments. 

For example, a house with a detached garage and shed is counted as one building. The flood 
insurance policy is based on the elevation of the home. However, if a lot has several principal 
buildings, each is counted separately because each is normally insured under a separate 
policy. For example, a motel with three principal buildings is counted as three buildings. If 
one of the three buildings is an unheated bathhouse for the swimming pool and houses only 
showers, chemicals, and cleaning supplies, the motel would be counted as two buildings. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 300-3 Edition: 2006 


Public Information Activities 

A pre-FIRM building is a building constructed or substantially improved on or before 
December 31, 1974, or before the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate 
Map (FIRM) of the community, whichever is later. 

The date of the initial FIRM can be found in the FIRMs legend under Flood Insurance Rate 
Map Effective. It is usually not the same as the initial identification date, which is the date 
of the communitys first Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Post-FIRM buildings are required to 
meet the NFIPs minimum Regular Program flood protection standards. 

A post-FIRM building is a building constructed or substantially improved after 
December 31, 1974, or after the effective date of the initial FIRM of the community, 
whichever is later. 

302 Impact Adjustment for Buildings 

Most elements in Activities 310 (Elevation Certificates), 520 (Acquisition and Relocation), 
530 (Flood Protection), 610 (Flood Warning Program), 620 (Levee Safety), and 630 (Dam 
Safety) do not affect all of the buildings that could benefit from them. Credit for these 
elements is adjusted according to the number of buildings that are actually affected. 

In order to measure the impact of elements in Activities 310, 520, 530, 610, 620, and 
630, the community must determine the portion of its floodprone buildings affected by 
each element. 

Sections 302 and 303 discuss determination of the impact adjustment ratios for the following 
activities: 

310 (Elevation Certificates) 
520 (Acquisition and Relocation) 
530 (Flood Protection) 
610 (Flood Warning Program) 
620 (Levee Safety) 
630 (Dam Safety) 


CRS Coordinators Manual 300-4 Edition: 2006 


Public Information Activities 

Impact adjustment ratios are variables with a lower case r preceding the acronymfor 
the element. 

Example 302-1. The acronym for elevation certificates for post-FIRMbuildingsis 
ECPO. The impact adjustment ratio for ECPO is rECPO. 

A few elements do not have impact adjustment ratios. These elements are assumed to 
be effective throughout the community. In some cases, credit is provided ONLY if they 
are implemented throughout the community. 

In Activity 320 (Map Information Service), credit is provided for providing map data to any 
inquirer about a location anywhere in the community. Because map information must be 
provided throughout the community, there is no impact adjustment for Activity 320. 

A community has three options for determining the value of most of the impact 
adjustment ratios that are based on numbers of buildings. A community may use one 
option for some elements and another option for other elements. 

a. (Option 1) Where an element is effective throughout the area of the denominator, 
the impact adjustment ratio = 1.0 for that element. 
If an element is effective for all buildings that could be affected by that element, it is 
unnecessary to count the number of buildings affected. Elements in Activity 610 (Flood 
Warning Program) are likely to have impact adjustment ratios of 1.0. 

Example 302.a-1. Someburg has elevation certificates for all post-FIRM 
buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): rECPO = 1.0. 

b. (Option 2) If a community implements an element that affects some, but not all, of 
its floodprone buildings, then it may use a default option. The minimum number of 
buildings affected and the impact adjustment ratio varies from activity to activity. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 300-5 Edition: 2006 


Public Information Activities 

In Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates), Option 2 can be used if the element affects at least 
25% of the buildings constructed during the relevant time period. The default impact 
adjustment ratio for Option 2 for Activities 310, 610 (Flood Warning Program), and 630 
(Dam Safety) is 0.25. The default option works differently in Activities 520 (Acquisition and 
Relocation), 530 (Flood Protection), and 620 (Levee Safety). 

Example 302.b-1. Someburg has elevation certificates on at least 25% of its 
pre-FIRM buildings: rECPR = 0.25. 

c. (Option 3) The value of an impact adjustment ratio is determined by dividing the 
number of buildings affected by an element (the numerator) by the appropriate 
denominator. The denominator for the elements in each activity is specified in the 
Impact Adjustment section for the activity. 
For each element with an impact adjustment ratio based onbuildings, thenumerator 
is the number of buildings affected by the element, and is designated by a lower 
case b followed by the acronym for that element. The total number of buildings 
that could be affected by the element is the denominator. 

In each activity listed above, there is an Impact Adjustment section. The denominator and 
formulae for impact adjustment ratios for each element in that activity are listed in that 
section. 

Example 302.c-1. See Section 312.c. Credit for maintaining pre-FIRM elevation 
certificates (ECPR) is adjusted according to the number of buildings with elevation 
certificates (bECPR). The denominator for rECPR is bPR, the total number of pre-
FIRM buildings in the SFHA. 

rECPR = bECPR 
bPR 


Someburg counts 400 pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA: bPR = 400. It has elevation 
certificates on 260 of them: bECPR = 260. 

rECPR = 260 = 0.65 
400 


In this case, Someburg could use either Option 2 or Option 3. Option 2 is easier to 
calculate because there is no need to count buildings. However, Option 3s ratio of 

0.65 is greater than Option 2s 0.25, so Someburg would receive more points by 
using Option 3. If Someburg had elevation certificates for less than 25% of its pre-
FIRM buildings, it could only use Option 3. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 300-6 Edition: 2006 


Public Information Activities 

In summary, the impact adjustment ratios based on the number of buildings affected may be 
determined in two ways. If all buildings in the denominator are affected by an element, the 
impact adjustment ratio for that element is 1.0. Otherwise, the number of buildings in both 
the numerator and denominator must be counted to determine the impact adjustment ratio. 

303 Counting Buildings 

a. bSF is the acronym for the number of buildings within the SFHA. For CRS 
purposes, AR and A99 Zones are not considered SFHA. The following methods are 
acceptable for determining bSF. 
1. 
If the community has records of all pre-FIRM and all post-FIRM buildings in its 
floodplains, a count of the number of permits will suffice; 
2. 
Community staff may count the number of buildings using recent aerial 
photographs of the floodplains; or 
3. 
Community staff may travel through the floodplains and count the number of 
buildings. 
Communities applying for CRS credit for elements that are adjusted according to the portion 
of buildings affected by that element must determine the number of buildings for both the 
numerator and the denominator. Although CRS applicants may consider this a heavy burden, 
they are reminded that determining the number of buildings in the SFHA is required in the 
biennial report to the Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA). Many communities ignore this requirement, leaving the previous building 
count unchanged for years or decades. A community that counts buildings to determine CRS 
credit is urged to correct the building counts on its next biennial report. 

b. To determine building counts for elements and for denominators that do not include 
all of the SFHA, communities may use any method that yields reasonably good 
estimates of the number of buildings. 
Building counts should be accurate so they will provide the most useful information for both 
CRS and community planning. Two acceptable methods are: 

 
Using U.S. Census tract data to estimate the number of buildings; and 
 
Using the number of utility connections in an area as an estimate of the number of 
buildings. 
Communities are required to document how they obtained their estimates. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 300-
7 
Edition: 2006 


Public Information Activities 

The number of post-FIRM buildings, bPO, should be the easiest number to obtain because the 
NFIP requires the community to keep permit records on all floodplain construction since the 
effective date of the FIRM. 

c. For CRS purposes, a community may determine bSF in one of two ways: 
1. 
bSF = the number of buildings in the communitys Special Flood Hazard Area 
(SFHA) as of the date of application for a CRS classification; or 
2. 
bSF = bPR + (0.6 x bPO), where 
bPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA, and 
bPO = the number of post-FIRM buildings in the SFHA. 
This approach more accurately reflects the activitys influence on the pre-FIRM 
and post-FIRM flood insurance premium bases in the community. 

bPR, bPO, and bSF do not include buildings located outside of the SFHA as shown on the 
FIRM in effect on the date of application. They do not include buildings located in the B, C, 
D, or X Zones, even though the community may be regulating flood problem areas in those 
zones. 

Communities with a small number of post-FIRM buildings will probably find it easier to use 
the first formula for bSF, i.e., all buildings in the SFHA are counted the same. 

Communities with a lot of recent development and a high percentage of post-FIRM buildings 
will find that the second formula results in a smaller bSF. This will yield more points for the 
activities that use bSF. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 300-
8 
Edition: 2006 


310 ELEVATION CERTIFICATES 


Summary of Activity 310 
311 Credit Points. There are four elements in this activity for a maximum of 162 points. 
a. Maintaining elevation certificates (EC): Up to 56 points are provided for maintaining FEMA 
elevation certificates on all buildings built in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) after the 
date of application to the CRS. All communities applying to the CRS must apply for this 
element. The community must make copies of the certificates available to all inquirers. The 
FEMA elevation certificate is shown in Figure 310-2. 
b. Maintaining elevation certificates for post-FIRM buildings (ECPO): Up to 56 points are 
provided for maintaining elevation certificates on buildings built before the date of application 
to the CRS but after the initial date of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). 
c. Maintaining elevation certificates for pre-FIRM buildings (ECPR): Up to 15 points are 
provided for maintaining elevation certificates on buildings built before the initial date of the 
FIRM. 
d. Maintaining elevation certificates in computer format (ECCF): Up to 15 points are provided if 
the elevation certificate data are kept and made available in computer format. A free elevation 
certificate computer program may be ordered (see Appendix E). 
e. Maintaining elevation certificate data on a website (ECWS): Up to 20 points are provided for 
putting elevation certificate data on a publicly accessible website. 
312 Impact Adjustment. The credit points for the last four elements are adjusted in one of 
three ways. There is no impact adjustment for EC. 
a. Under Option 1, where there are elevation certificates on all buildings that could have them, theimpact adjustment ratio is 1.0. 
b. Under Option 2, where there are elevation certificates on at least 25% of all buildings that could 
have them, the impact adjustment ratio is 0.25. 
c. Under Option 3, the impact adjustment ratios reflect the proportion of buildings that have 
elevation certificates. 
313 Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact 
adjustment ratios. 
314 Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify 
implementation of this activity: 
a. [If applying for ECPO or ECPR and the community used a form different from FEMAs] A 
copy of the elevation certificate form and documentation that FEMA has approved the 
communitys form. 
b. [If applying for ECCF credit] A copy of the computer format (if it is different from the software 
listed in Appendix E). 
c. Copies of all completed elevation certificates that the community wants credited for EC, ECPR,
or ECPO. Sample copies of the digital or website versions will be collected to document credit 
for ECCF and ECWS. 
d. [If applying for ECWS credit] The website address. 
e. Documentation showing how the impact adjustments were determined. 
The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification. 
f. [If applying for ECCF credit] A disk with the previous years elevation certificate data. 
315 For More Information. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 310-1 Edition 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

310 ELEVATION CERTIFICATES


Background: According to insurance agents, one of the greatest impediments to 
selling flood insurance is the difficulty of obtaining accurate flood insurance rating zone 
and building elevation data. All of the technical data an agent needs should be 
recorded on the Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA) elevation certificate. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 
requires communities to maintain records of the elevations of new buildings and 
substantial improvements, but not necessarily on FEMAs forms. 

The NFIP requirement for maintaining a record of the elevation of the lowest floor of any 
new building or substantial improvement built in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is 
described in the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR 60.3(b)(5)(iii)). It states that the 
community must maintain a record, but it does not specify a format for the record. Many 
communities already use FEMA elevation certificates. The latest version of FEMAs form 
and instructions for it are shown in Figures 310-2a through k. 

In 44 CFR 59.22(a)(9)(iii), the NFIP also requires that communities make their elevation and 
related building information available for public inspection and flood insurance rating. 
Because the NFIP does require insurance agents to use the FEMA form, their jobs are much 
easier when that form is readily available from the local building department. The 
information supplied with flood insurance applications is usually more accurate when the 
form is prepared at the time of construction by someone familiar with the NFIP. 

Use of the FEMA form also serves as a reminder to the local building officials of their 
obligations to the NFIP and of the availability of flood insurance. Therefore, this activity 
works toward all three Community Rating System (CRS) goals: reducing flood losses, 
facilitating accurate flood insurance rating, and promoting the awareness of flood insurance. 

Almost all buildings built to meet NFIP criteria are raised so the lowest floor is at or above 
the base flood elevation, but some non-residential buildings are floodproofed. The NFIP rules 
(44 CFR 60.3(c)(4)(ii)) require the community to keep floodproofing records. An example of 
the latest version of FEMAs floodproofing certificate (FEMA Form 81-65) is shown in 
Figure 310-5. 

Communities that have received a residential basement floodproofing exception must use 
FEMAs residential basement floodproofing certificate (FEMA Form 81-78) where 
applicable. An example of this form and the communities approved to use it are included in 
Figures 310-6 and 310-7, respectively. 

Activity Description: Credit is provided if the community maintains FEMA elevation 
certificates for new and substantially improved construction. To participate in the CRS, 
a community must maintain completed FEMA elevation certificates on all buildings con-
CRS Coordinators Manual 310-2 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

structed, substantially improved, or placed in the SFHA after its initial date of 
application for the CRS. The community must agree to use the certificate and make 
copies available to any inquirer. All discussions about elevation certificates also apply 
to FEMAs floodproofing certificate and the residential basement floodproofing 
certificate. 
Copies of the FEMA elevation and floodproofing certificates are available free in quantity 
from FEMA (see Section 315) and can be downloaded from FEMAs website at 
http://www.fema.gov/nfip/elvinst.shtm. Instructions are included with the forms. 

Only the current FEMA form is acceptable. Local versions are no longer recognized for 
elevation certificates that were completed after October 1, 2000. A community may receive 
credit by transferring data from other forms onto a FEMA elevation certificate. 

To receive a CRS classification, the community must start using the forms when it applies; so 
forms need to be kept only for buildings built or substantially improved after that date. Credit 
is also provided if the community had been using the forms since it joined the Regular 
Program or if it transferred post-FIRM building elevation data to the forms. Additional credit 
is awarded if the community provides certificates for pre-FIRM buildings or maintains the 
data in a computer format. 

THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR THIS ACTIVITY IS THAT THE COMMUNITY MAINTAIN 
CERTIFICATES ON ALL NEW SFHA BUILDINGS AND SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS PERMITTED 
AFTER THE COMMUNITY APPLIES FOR CRS CREDIT. Because the communitys Chief Executive 
Officer (CEO) certifies in the application that it is doing this, the community will receive up 
to 56 points for EC (Elevation Certificates) under Section 311.a. 

Those few NFIP communities which have no SFHA may not receive credit for this 
activity. Instead, the CEO must certify that the community has no SFHA and is 
therefore not applying for credit for this activity. 

If a community with no SFHA is participating in the CRS and later receives a FIRM 
from FEMA that includes areas of SFHA, it must begin maintaining elevation 
certificates on the date of the FIRM or it will lose its CRS classification. 

A community that has no SFHA at the time of its CRS application but later receives a FIRM 
and begins maintaining elevation certificates will receive credit for EC. It also may receive 
credit for maintaining post-FIRM elevation certificates (ECPO). 

This activity is a minimum requirement for participation in the CRS. A verified EC score 
of 45 points or more is necessary to meet this requirement. If the verified score is less 
than 45, the CEO will be advised that the community will remain a Class 10. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-3 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

During the community verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will review a sample of 
elevation certificates as explained in Section 232. If the ISO/CRS Specialist finds that the 
community has not been maintaining the forms or has not been making copies available, the 
value for the element EC (Section 311.a) will be zero. If the ISO/CRS Specialist finds that 
some forms are not completed correctly, the points will be reduced. A verified score of less 
than 45 for EC will result in no credit for this activity. If the community does not receive any 
credit for this activity, it will remain a Class 10. 

311 Credit Points 

Maximum credit for Activity 310: 162 points. 

Prerequisites: Credit for all elements in this activity is dependent on the following: 

1. 
The community must maintain completed elevation certificates showing the 
finished construction elevations for all buildings constructed or substantially 
improved in the SFHA during the period credited; 
2. 
The community must review the elevation certificates to ensure that the 
information is correct; and 
3. 
The community must make copies of elevation certificates available to the 
property owners, their agents, and FEMA. 
These three criteria must be met to receive full credit for each of the four elements. It is also 
recommended that a community publicize the availability of elevation certificates. 

The community should develop procedures to ensure that the data are correct for each site. 
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will check for the following items on a 
sample of elevation certificates. 

SECTION APROPERTY INFORMATION 

A 2. and A3. Complete street address or property description, city, state, zip code 

A7. Building diagram number 

A8. Enclosure and crawl space information (A8. a), b), and c)) 

A9. Attached garage information (A9. a), b), and c)) 

SECTION BFLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION 

B1. NFIP community name & community number 

B4. Map and panel number 

B5. Suffix 

B7. FIRM panel effective/revised date 

B8. Flood zone(s) in which the building is located 

B9. Base flood elevation(s) 

B10. The source of the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data or base flood depth entered in B9. 

B11. The elevation datum used for the BFE in B9 

B12. Whether the building is located in a Coastal Barrier Resources System area or 

Otherwise Protected Area 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-
4 
Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

SECTION CBUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (when a survey is required) 
C1. Building elevations based on: Note: Finished construction must be checked unless the 
building is still under construction. 


C2. 
All items are required to have an entry. If the datum is different from the datum used for the 
BFE in Section B, the datum conversion must be recorded in this section or in Section D or 
G, as appropriate. 

Elevation items a), f), and g) must be recorded on every certificate. If an item does not 
apply, enter N/A in the fields where no data are being supplied. If there are no flood 
vents, items h) and i) should have 0 entered. 

Items b) and c) must be completed with an elevation if they are applicable and if that letter 
appears on the diagram on pages 6 and 7 of the instructions. 

Where there is an attached garage, an elevation must be entered for item d), otherwise the 
entry is N/A. Where there is machinery and/or equipment that service the building, an 
elevation must be entered for item e), otherwise the entry is N/A. 

SECTION DSURVEYOR, ENGINEER, OR ARCHITECT CERTIFICATION 
CERTIFIERS NAME and LICENSE NUMBER 
CERTIFIERS SIGNATURE 
The box at the end of Section D must have the certifiers seal. 


SECTION EBUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (when a survey is not required in a Zone AO or 

a Zone A without a base flood elevation) 
E1. Building diagram number 
E2. The top of the bottom floor 
E3. For Building Diagrams 6-8 with openings (see page 7), the next higher floor or 


elevated floor (elevation b) of the building 
E4 Elevation of the top of the platform of machinery and/or equipment servicing the building in relation 
to the highest adjacent grade. 
E5. Zone AO (only) Elevation of bottom floor complies with the ordinance (if there is no base flood 
depth provided). 

Note: 
If Section E is used, then Sections F or G must be completed. 

SECTION FPROPERTY OWNER (OR OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE) CERTIFICATION 
This section is used if Section E is completed by the owner or owners representative. If used, this section 
must include the property owners or representatives name in the first line and the signature in the third 
line. 

SECTION GCOMMUNITY INFORMATION 
If G1 is checked, noting that the information in Section C was taken from another document, then the first 
and third lines after G9 (the local officials name and signature) must be completed. If G2 is checked, 
noting that the local official completed Section E, then the first and third lines after G9 (the local officials 
name and signature) must be completed. NOTE: If a local official, authorized by law to complete an 
elevation certificate, fills out ALL the information (including elevation data), then G8, G9, and the signature 
block must be completed. 

If any of these items is not completed or correct, the ISO/CRS Specialist will adjust the 
elements credit points. IF MORE THAN 20% OF THE SAMPLED ELEVATION CERTIFICATES HAVE 
ONE OR MORE OF THESE DEFICIENCIES, THE COMMUNITY WILL LOSE ITS CREDIT FOR THAT 
ELEMENT. LOSS OF CREDIT FOR THE FIRST ELEMENT, EC, MEANS THAT THE COMMUNITY MUST 
REMAIN A CLASS 10. NOTE THAT, ALTHOUGH ITEM A6. OF THE ELEVATION CERTIFICATE 
INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRES PHOTOS OF THE STRUCTURE, THAT IS A REQUIREMENT ONLY FOR 
PURCHASING FLOOD INSURANCE. PHOTOS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THE COMMUNITYS PERMIT 
RECORDS NOR FOR CRS CREDIT. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-
5 
Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

It is the communitys responsibility to ensure that the elevation certificates it maintains 
have been completed correctly. Certificates provided by surveyors must be proofread 
and corrected if there are errors or omissions. 

Although the surveyed elevations are likely to be correct, it is not unusual for surveyors to 
enter the wrong FIRM date or diagram number or not complete all the entries in Section C3. 
If there are certificates that have some of the above items omitted or incorrectly filled out, the 
community has the following options: 

1. 
For any inaccurate or incomplete information in Sections C3a)d), f), or g), the 
local official should request a new certificate. 
2. 
The local official can do the following if incomplete or inaccurate information is 
found in Sections A, B, or C13e), h) and i). The local official should not mark up 
the form with the correct information. 
a) 
The forms may be returned to the surveyor with instructions on what needs 
to be changed or corrected; 

b) The local official can prepare a separate memo with the correct information 

and attach the memo to the form. When the certificate is provided to an 

inquirer, the memo must be included with it; or 

c) The local official can note the changes or corrections in Section G. 

3. 
The corrections to Sections A and B, and subsections C1C3e), h), and i) can be 
made when the data on the certificate is entered into a data base or elevation 
certificate software (see Section 311.d on maintaining elevation certificates in 
computer format). It must be noted in Section G what changes were made to the 
original paper copy. The local official should check G1 when data are entered into 
a data base or elevation certificate software. The community will still need to keep 
the original certificate, but can hand out copies printed from the corrected digital 
version. 
It should be noted that the community assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the changes 
it makes. Therefore, data entry for digital versions should be double-checked. 

Although surveyors may not be familiar with the intricacies of the form, they do know how to 
survey elevations. One way communities have improved the quality of elevation certificates 
is to complete Sections A and B at the time of permit application. The partially completed 
form is given to the applicant or the surveyor who can then focus on completing the surveyed 
information in Section C. This has been shown to reduce many of the more common errors. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-
6 
Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

In order to meet the requirements of the third prerequisite, the community must keep copies 
of all credited elevation certificates readily available. The community must be able to retrieve 
certificates for old permits, including those from projects whose permit files may have been 
archived or discarded. The certificates may be maintained in a computer format, but the 
community must be able to respond to inquirers who want to see the original hard copy. The 
community may pass the cost of preparing the elevation certificate on to the permit applicant 
and it may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of copying the certificates for inquirers. 

a. Maintaining elevation certificates (EC) (Maximum credit: 56 points) 
EC = 56 if the community maintains elevation certificates since the date of 
application to the CRS. The community receives the full 56 credit points for EC 
unless it is adjusted during the verification visit. If no permits have been issued for 
structures within the SFHA since the communitys application date for the CRS, 
EC = 56. 

The community will automatically receive 56 points for EC because the CEO certifies in the 
application that the forms will be maintained and made available. EC is only adjusted to less 
than 56 points if the findings of the verification visit warrant such a reduction. As discussed 
above, the credit points will be reduced if incorrect or incomplete information appears on the 
elevation certificates checked during the verification visit. 

b. Maintaining elevation certificates for post-FIRM buildings (ECPO) (Maximum credit: 
56 points) 
ECPO = 56 points if completed certificates are maintained for all buildings built or 
substantially improved in the SFHA between the date of the communitys initial 
FIRM and the date of application to the CRS. ECPO is adjusted according to the 
ratio of post-FIRM buildings for which the community has certificates (see Section 
312). 

This credit is provided for having elevation certificates for all buildings built or substantially 
improved in the SFHA since the date of the communitys initial FIRM. If the community only 
has certificates for some of these buildings, then the value for ECPO is adjusted as described 
in Section 312, Impact Adjustment. 

c. Maintaining elevation certificates for pre-FIRM buildings (ECPR) (Maximum credit: 
15 points) 
CRS Coordinators Manual 310-7 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

ECPR = 15 points if completed certificates are maintained for all buildings built or 
substantially improved in the SFHA before the date of the communitys initial FIRM. 
ECPR is adjusted according to the ratio of pre-FIRM buildings for which the commu-
nity has certificates (see Section 312). 
Although most communities did not keep elevation records before they joined the Regular 
Program, lowest floor elevations may have been determined for a flood protection study. If 
the data are transferred to the FEMA forms, credit can be provided under ECPR. If the 
records cover only some of the pre-FIRM buildings, ECPR is adjusted in the same manner as 
ECPO, as described in Section 312, Impact Adjustment. 

NOTE: Elevation certificates can be completed by a local official who is authorized by law or 
ordinance to administer the communitys floodplain management program, provided the 
original surveyed data for Section C was obtained by a registered land surveyor, engineer, or 
architect. A community can transfer data from a surveying project to the elevation certificate 
form if it can demonstrate that the source of the data was appropriate. 

For example, the National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool described in Section 511.b 
can be used to collect a wealth of data on a building. If the local official can document that a 
surveyor shot the elevations collected in the Tool, it would be relatively simple to transfer the 
data to the elevation certificate form, which would be signed in Section G by the local 
official. 

d. Maintaining elevation certificates in computer format (ECCF) (Maximum credit: 15 
points). 
ECCF = 10 points if the elevation and floodproofing certificate data are kept in 
computer format and provided to FEMA each year. An additional 5 points are 
provided if the data for every property lists a street address. ECCF is adjusted 
according to the ratio of all buildings that have elevation certificates that are also in 
computer format (see Section 312). There is no credit if the data base does not 
include all of the data needed for a FEMA elevation certificate. 

This credit is available if the community has elevation records on a computer data base, and 
is willing to provide FEMA with a disk or other computer-readable record. A program has 
been developed to enter elevation certificate data on a personal computer. This program 
meets the requirements for ECCF credit, and it is available free (see Appendix E). The 
community must maintain and be able to retrieve the original signed hard copies. 

Five additional points are provided if the community screens its data and makes sure that a 
full street address is provided with each certificate. These five points are not available if 
some properties are listed by lot and block number or other method. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-8 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

e. Posting elevation certificate data on a website (ECWS) (Maximum credit: 20 points). 
ECWS = 20, if the community has put elevation certificate data on a website that is 
readily available to any inquirer (e.g., no payment of money is needed). There is no 
credit if the data base does not include all of the data needed for a FEMA elevation 
certificate. 

Credit is provided if the community puts the elevation certificate data on a website that can be 
accessed by the public. This can be in the form of a searchable data base, scanned elevation 
certificates, or any other format that makes the data available. This credit is in addition to the ECCF 
credit for providing FEMA with a disk that has elevation certificate data. In both cases, the data 
base must include all of the data needed for a FEMA elevation certificate. 

312 Impact Adjustment 

a. Option 1: 
1. 
If the community has elevation certificates for ALL post-FIRM buildings in its 
SFHA, rECPO = 1.0. 
If no buildings have been built or substantially improved in the SFHA since the 
community entered the Regular Program of the NFIP, rECPO = 1.0. 

2. 
If the community has elevation certificates for ALL pre-FIRM buildings in its 
SFHA, rECPR = 1.0. 
If there are no pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA, rECPR = 1.0. 

3. 
If the community has entered all of its elevation certificates into a computer 
format, rECCF = 1.0. 
4. 
If the community has posted all of its elevation certificate data onto a website, 
rECWS = 1.0. 
NOTE: There is no impact adjustment for EC. The community must keep elevation certificates 
for ALL new or substantially improved buildings in the floodplain after the date it first applies 
for the CRS. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-
9 
Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

b. Option 2: 
1. If the community has elevation certificates for at least 25% of the post-FIRM 
buildings in its SFHA, rECPO = 0.25. 
2. If the community has elevation certificates for at least 25% of the pre-FIRM 
buildings in its SFHA, rECPR = 0.25. 
3. If the community has entered at least 25% of its elevation certificates into a 
computer format, rECCF = 0.25. 
4. If the community has posted at least 25% of its elevation certificate data onto a 
website, rECWS = 0.25. 
c. Option 3: 
1. rECPO = bECPO , where 
bPO 
bECPO = the number of post-FIRM buildings with elevation certificates 
bPO = the number of buildings built or substantially improved in the communitys 
SFHA between the initial FIRM effective date and the date the community 
applied to the CRS. 
2. rECPR = bECPR , where 
bPR 
bECPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings with elevation certificates 
bPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings in the communitys SFHA. 
3. rECCF = bECCF , where 
bEC + bECPO + bECPR 
bECCF = the number of buildings with elevation certificates in computer format 
bEC = the number of buildings in the SFHA since the initial CRS application 
date. 
4. rECWS = bECWS , where 
bEC + bECPO + bECPR 
bECWS = the number of buildings with complete elevation certificate data 
posted on the website. 
ECPO and ECPR are adjusted to reflect the number of buildings with elevation certificates. 
Section 301 includes a detailed discussion of the determination of bPO and bPR. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-10 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

ECCF is adjusted if the community has not entered all elevation certificates into its computer 
data base. ECWS is adjusted if the community has not entered all its elevation certificate data 
onto the website. 

There is no adjustment for EC because the community must maintain elevation certificates on 
all buildings constructed in the SFHA after the date it applied for CRS classification. 
However, the community may not have certificates on all post-FIRM or all pre-FIRM 
buildings. Accordingly, ECPO and ECPR can be adjusted to reflect the number of buildings 
that are affected. Similarly, ECCF and ECWS are adjusted if the community has not entered 
all elevation certificates into its computer data base or website. 

These adjustments are made by dividing the number of buildings with elevation certificates 
by the number of buildings that could have certificates to produce an r variable that 
represents the ratio of buildings affected. Sections 302 and 303 explain how to obtain the 
building counts needed to calculate these impact adjustments. 

NOTE: See the definitions of building, SFHA, and Zone A in the Glossary, Section 

130. Also see Section 301. 
Example 312.c-1. Floodville applied for CRS credit in late 1993. Its credit was 
verified by its ISO/CRS Specialist during the spring of 1994. The examples for 
Activity 310 show the CRS credit that was verified during that visit. Floodville applied 
for 56 points for maintaining elevation certificates since its application date (EC); 14 
points for having elevation certificates for at least 25% of its post-FIRM elevation 
buildings (ECPO); and 4 points for having elevation certificates for at least 25% of its 
pre-FIRM buildings. Although it started using the elevation certificate software after it 
applied for the CRS, it did not have at least 25% of its certificates entered when it 
applied. Its total application credit for Activity 310 was 74. 

Floodvilles initial FIRM effective date is May 15, 1980. Between then and when it 
applied to the CRS in 1993, 22 buildings were built or substantially improved: bPO = 

22. 
Floodville began using FEMAs elevation certificates after FEMA conducted a 
communityassistancevisit in 1986. It has completed certificates for all buildings built 
since then. There are 10 such buildings: bECPO = 10. 

rECPO = 10 = 0.45 
22 


There are 250 pre-FIRM buildings in Floodville: bPR = 250. As part of a flood control 
study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers surveyed the first floor elevations of all 
buildings in one of Floodvilles floodplains. Because there are no basements in 
Floodville, the first floor is the same as the lowest floor. [NOTE: this is not always the 
case; other sources of elevation data must be carefully checked to ensure that the 
records are for the lowest floor.] The study provided elevations for 122 of Floodvilles 
250 pre-FIRM buildings, and the city has subsequently recorded the data on FEMAs 
elevation certificates: bECPR = 122. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-11 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

rECPR = 122 = 0.49 
250 


When it applied for the CRS, Floodville began using the CRS computer program for 
maintaining elevation certificates. It also entered all of its post-FIRM and its pre-
FIRM elevation and floodproofing certificates in this program. Because data from all 
of the communitys certificates were in computer format by the time of the verification 
visit, credit was verified using Option 1: rECCF = 1.0. 

313 Credit Calculation 

a. cEC = 56 
b. cECPO = ECPO x rECPO 
Example 313.b-1. Floodville has elevation certificates for 10 of its 22 post-FIRM 
buildings. As discussed above: rECPO = 0.45. 

cECPO = 56 x 0.45 = 25.2 

c. cECPR = ECPR x rECPR 
Example 313.c-1. Floodville has elevation certificates for 122 of its 250 pre-
FIRM buildings. As discussed above: rECPR = 0.49. 

cECPR = 15 x 0.49 = 7.35 

d. cECCF = ECCF x rECCF 
CRS Coordinators Manual 310-12 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Example 313.d-1. Floodville entered all of its elevation and floodproofing 
certificates in computer format. It also checked them all and made sure that each 
one has a full street address. ECCF = 10 + 5 = 15. As discussed above: rECCF = 

1.0 

cECCF = 15 x 1.0 = 15.0 

e. cECWS = ECWS x rECWS 
f. c310 = cEC + cECPO + cECPR + cECCF + ECWS 
Example 313.e-1. Floodville applies for participation in the CRS so it must apply 
for this activity. The mayor certifies that the city will continue to use the FEMA 
elevation certificates so the city receives the 56 points in the formula. As calculated 
above, cECPO = 25.2, cECPR = 7.35, and cECCF = 15. The city has not put 
elevation certificates on a website, so cECWS = 0. 

Floodvilles first activity worksheet is shown in Figure 310-1a. 

C310 = 56 + 25.2 + 7.35 + 15 + 0 = 103.55, which is rounded to 104. 

Ten buildings have been built or substantially improved in the floodplain since the 
1993 CRS application. During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist examines 
the elevation certificates for these buildings. A surveyor who completed one of the 
certificates recorded the wrong FIRM Zone and the wrong base flood elevation. This 
reduces Floodvilles credit for EC from 56 to 50.4. 

Similar sampling for post-FIRM and pre-FIRM certificates found no other errors. 
However, the sample taken for ECCF also found one error, which reduces that credit 
from 15 to 13.95. 

Floodvilles final verified credit for Activity 310 is: 

c310 = 50.4 + 25.2 + 7.35 + 13.5 + 0 = 96.45, which is rounded to 96. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-13 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

314 Credit Documentation 

The community must have the following to verify implementation of this activity: 

a. [If the community applies for credit under Section 311.b (ECPO) or c (ECPR) and it 
used a form different from FEMAs] A copy of its elevation certificate, along with 
documentation that FEMA has approved it. Note that a local elevation certificatecan 
only be credited if it was used before the 1999 FEMA elevation certificate was 
published or before the community joined the CRS, whichever is later. 
If the community used a non-FEMA form in the past and began using the FEMA form when it 
applied for the CRS or when the 1999 FEMA form went into effect, the written statement is 
required to obtain credit for ECPO and/or ECPR. 

b. [If the community applies for credit under Section 311.d.1 and is NOT using the CRS 
Computerized Format for FEMA Elevation Certificates] A copy of the computer 
format being used. 
The CRS computer format is available at no cost (see Appendix E). 

c. Copies of all completed elevation certificates that the community wants credited for 
EC, ECPR, or ECPO. Sample copies of the digital or website versions will be 
collected to document credit for ECCF and ECWS. 
d. Documentation showing how the impact adjustment ratios were determined. 
The community must maintain certificates on all buildings built, substantially improved, or 
placed in the floodplain since the initial application date and make them available. The 
community should maintain its elevation certificates so they are easy to retrieve during the 
verification visit. 

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification: 

e. A disk with the elevation and floodproofing certificate data in computer format 
obtained since the last submittal, if applying for credit for ECCF under Section 
311.d. If the community is receiving credit for other than the FEMA-issued elevation 
certificate software, the submittal must include a key that explains each data item. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 310-14 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

315 For More Information 

Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource 
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/. 

a. 
The FEMA elevation and floodproofing certificates include detailed instructions for 
completing them. The latest version can be downloaded from FEMAs website at 
http://www.fema.gov/nfip/elvinst.shtm. The FEMA Regional Office can provide help in 
completing and maintaining them (see Appendix A). Additional guidance is provided in 
Figures 310-3 and 310-4. 
b. 
Elevation Certificate, FEMAs Floodplain Management Bulletin 467-1, provides 
questions and answers on completing the form and using the elevation certificate to verify 
building compliance. The bulletin can be downloaded from 
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/fema467-6-10-04.pdf. 
c. 
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide advice on obtaining and maintaining 
elevation records. Requests for assistance should be submitted to the Flood Plain 
Management Services Coordinator at the appropriate District Office of the Corps. 
d. 
A program named Computerized Format for FEMA Elevation Certificates is available 
free (see Appendix E). It requires an IBM-compatible computer with a CD or 3.5-inch 
disk drive. 
e. 
FEMA has developed interactive tutorials for surveyors and insurance agents. The 
surveyors tutorial is especially helpful for local officials because it discusses how to 
complete the form. It can be found at http://training.nfipstat.com/ecsurveyor/. The 
insurance agents tutorial covers how agents use the form. It can be found at 
http://training.nfipstat.com. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 310-15 
Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-1a. Floodvilles completed activity worksheet for elevation certificates 
(AW-310-1). 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-16 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-1b. Page two of Floodvilles completed activity worksheet for 
elevation certificates (AW-310-2). 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-17 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2a. Cover page of FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-18 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2b. Inside cover of FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-19 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2c. FEMAs elevation certificate, page one. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-20 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2d. Page two of FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-21 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2e. Page three of FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-22 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2f. Page four of FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-23 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2g. Page one of the instructions to FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-24 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2h. Page two of the instructions to FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-25 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2i. Page three of the instructions to FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-26 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2j. Page four of the instructions to FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-27 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2k. Page five of the instructions to FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-28 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2l. Page six of the instructions to FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-29 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2m. Page seven of the instructions to FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-30 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-2n. Page eight of the instructions to FEMAs elevation certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-31 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 


Figure 310-3a. Elevation Certificate Quick Reference Guide for CRS 
Communities, page one. 


CRS Coordinators Manual 310-32 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 


Figure 310-3b. Elevation Certificate Quick Reference Guide for CRS 
Communities, page two. 


CRS Coordinators Manual 310-33 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 


Figure 310-3c. Elevation Certificate Quick Reference Guide for CRS 
Communities, page three. 


CRS Coordinators Manual 310-34 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 


Figure 310-3d. Elevation Certificate Quick Reference Guide for CRS 
Communities, page four. 


CRS Coordinators Manual 310-35 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Guidance for Verifying Building Compliance 
Using the FEMA Elevation Certificate 


Section C of the Elevation Certificate records the elevation of various building components, but does not 
determine the as built lowest floor of the building or indicate whether the building, as constructed, 
complies with the communitys floodplain management ordinance. The determination of the as built 
lowest floor for compliance with the communitys floodplain management ordinance is the responsibility 
of the local floodplain management official. The local official can document the as built lowest floor in 
item G8. Use the following guidance for each diagram to determine which level is the lowest floor the 
community should be documenting in item G8. 

Diagram Description As Built Lowest Floor Determination 
Diagram 1: Slab-on-grade buildings. A Zones: C3.a, top of bottom floor. 
V Zones: See Note 1. 
Diagram 2: Buildings with basement. A Zones: C3.a, top of bottom floor (including basement). 
V Zones: See Note 1. 
Diagram 3: Split-level slab-on-grade 
buildings. 
A Zones: C3.a, top of bottom floor. 
V Zones: See Note 1. 
Diagram 4: Split-level buildings other 
than slab-on-grade. 
A Zones: C3.a, top of bottom floor (including basement) 
V Zones: See Note 1. 
Diagram 5: Buildings elevated on piers,
posts, piles, columns, or parallel shear 
walls (no obstructions, but open lattice 
and/or screening is permissible). 
A Zones: C3.a, top of elevated floor. 
V Zones: C3.c, bottom of lowest horizontal structural 
member of the elevated floor (see Note 1) 
Diagram 6: Buildings elevated on piers, 
posts, piles, columns, or parallel shear 
walls with full or partial enclosure. 
A Zones: If the enclosure has proper openings AND is used 
as parking, building access, or storage (see Note2): C3.b, top of elevated floor 
If the enclosure does NOT have proper openings 
OR is used for something other than parking, 
access, or storage: C3.a, floor of enclosure 
V Zones: If the enclosures walls are breakaway AND the 
enclosure is used for parking, building access, orstorage (see Note 3): C3.c, bottom of lowest 
horizontal structural member of the elevated 
floor 
If the enclosures walls are NOT breakaway OR 
the enclosure is used for something other than 
parking, access or storage: C3.a, floor of 
enclosure 
Diagram 7: Buildings elevated on full-
story foundation walls with partial or full 
enclosure. 
A Zones: If the walkout level (enclosure) has the proper 
openings AND is used as parking, buildingaccess, or storage (see Note 2): C3.b, next 
higher floor 
If the walkout level (enclosure) does NOT have 
the proper openings OR is used as a finished 
living space: C3.a, floor of walkout level 

Figure 310-4a. Guidance for verifying building compliance using 
the FEMA elevation certificate, page one. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-36 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Diagram 8: Buildings elevated on crawl 
space. (See Note 4 on differentiating 
between a crawlspace and a basement.) 
A Zones: If the crawl space enclosure has the proper 
openings (see Note 2) 3.b, next higher floor. 
If the crawl space enclosure does NOT have the 
proper openings: C3.a, floor of crawl space. 
V Zones: See Note 1. 
Attached Garage (when garage floor is 
below the Base Flood Elevation): 
If the garage has the proper openings (see Note 2), then use 
the guidance above. 
If the building has an attached garage that does NOT have the 
proper openings, then the garage floor (C3.g) is the lowest 
floor that should be identified in G8. 
Equipment: Under the NFIP, buildings 
must be constructed with electrical, 
heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air-
conditioning equipment and other service 
facilities that are designed and/or locatedso as to prevent water from entering or 
accumulating within the components 
during conditions of flooding. Generally, 
this is done by elevating equipment above 
the Base Flood Elevation, but there are 
ways to floodproof equipment to keep 
water out. 
Even though the building may be properly elevated based on 
the as built lowest floor, it is not a compliant building 
unless the equipment is properly elevated or floodproofed. 
See also Protecting Building Utilities From Flood 
Damage, FEMA-348, 2000. It can also be viewed and 
downloaded from www.fema.gov/library/lib06b.htm 

Note 1. V Zone buildings that are constructed similar to Diagrams 1-4, 7 and 8, are violations under the 
NFIP. For these buildings the lowest floor is measured at the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural 
member which will be the bottom of the slab or a footing. 

Note 2. Enclosures and Openings in A Zones (Diagrams 6, 7, and 8). The NFIP Floodplain Management 
Regulations permit limited uses of enclosures below the lowest floor. The enclosed area below an elevated 
building cannot be used for something other than parking of vehicles, building access, or storage. The 
enclosure must be built with flood resistant materials. The enclosed areas below an elevated building must 
contain openings. An opening is defined as: A permanent opening in a wall that allows for the free passage 
of water automatically in both directions without human intervention. Openings are explained at the bottomof page 7 of the Elevation Certificate. The number and total area of openings are provided in C3.h and i. 
The floor area should be on the permit plans. 

Note 3. In V Zones, an enclosure (as shown in Diagram 6) must be constructed with non-supporting, non-
load bearing breakaway walls which meet applicable NFIP criteria. The enclosure can only be used for 
parking of vehicles, building access and storage and cannot be used for something other than parking, 
building access or storage. The enclosure must be built with flood resistant materials. 

Note 4. Crawl Space Construction (Diagram 8): If the floor of the crawl space is below the Base Flood 
Elevation, NFIP requirements can be met by ensuring that the interior floor of the crawl space is at or above 
the lowest adjacent grade to the building. If the floor of the crawl space is below the Base Flood Elevation 
and the interior floor of the crawl space is below the adjacent grade on the exterior of the building, it is 
considered a basement and diagram 2 or 4 must be used for determining the lowest floor. 

Figure 310-4b. Guidance for verifying building compliance using 
the FEMA elevation certificate, page two. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-37 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-5. FEMAs floodproofing certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-38 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Figure 310-6. FEMAs residential basement floodproofing certificate. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-39 Edition: 2006 


Elevation Certificates 

Communities Approved for Residential Basement Floodproofing Rating Credit 

STATE/COMMUNITY NAME EFFECTIVE 
DATE1 
STATE/COMMUNITY NAME EFFECTIVE 
DATE1 
Alaska 
Fairbanks 
Idaho 
Ammon 
Iowa 
Clive 
Independence 
LaPorte City 
Kansas 
Colwich 
Derby 
Great Bend 
Halstead 
Lindsborg 
Rossville 
Salina 
Saline County 
Sedgwick 
Minnesota 
Alvarado 
Clay County 
Dilworth 
East Grand Forks 
Moorhead 
Roseau, City of 
Stephen 
Warren 
Nebraska 
Fremont 
Grand Island 
Hall County 
Hastings 
North Bend 
Schuyler 
Sidney 
Wood River 
2/28/73 
6/8/90 
4/24/81 
9/7/89 
6/12/89 
1/17/86 
2/15/832 
8/10/83 
7/8/83 
11/7/94 
2/18/92 
3/6/86 
1/14/86 
5/19/862 
2/28/85 
3/28/75 
8/29/83 
5/15/852 
2/12/76 
7/23/99 
5/10/83 
9/24/82 
1/25/79 
7/29/80 
2/10/80 
7/8/83 
10/15/98 
9/17/91 
12/4/84 
1/12/82 
New York 
Amherst 
Clarence, Town of 
North Dakota 
Barnes Township 
Casselton 
Fargo 
Grafton 
Harwood 
Harwood Township 
Horace 
Mapleton 
Oxbow 
Pleasant Township 
Reed Township 
Reiles Acres 
Stanley Township 
West Fargo 
South Dakota 
Madison 
Wisconsin 
Ashwaubenon 
Brown County 
Depere 
Green Bay 
Howard 
Shlocton 
Village of Allouez 
11/20/78 
8/1/00 
1/22/82 
6/18/81 
3/26/752 
5/21/81 
12/19/85 
1/22/82 
1/22/82 
1/22/822 
6/1/922 
5/5/83 
1/22/82 
8/23/82 
2/8/82 
6/5/78 
8/30/83 
10/27/78 
2/21/792 
10/27/78 
10/27/78 
10/27/78 
8/1/98 
1/11/932 

1 Effective date corresponds to the date of FEMAs letter to the community granting the exception request. 
2 The date the community adopted floodproofing ordinances. 

Figure 310-7. Communities approved for residential basement 
floodproofing rating credit. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 310-40 Edition: 2006 


320 MAP INFORMATION SERVICE 


Summary of Activity 320 
321 Credit Points. There is one element in this activity for a maximum of 140 points. 
Map Information (MI) Service: up to 140 points are provided if the community or other qualified 
agency: 
1. Provides Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information to inquirers, 
2. Provides information on the flood insurance purchase requirement, 
3. Provides information on Coastal Barrier Resources System requirements, 
4. Keeps old FIRMs and updates the maps used for the service, 
5. Publicizes the service at least once a year, 
6. Advises inquirers whether the property is subject to a special flood-related hazard, and 
7. Answers questions from the inquirers about related topics such as local floodplain 
management requirements. 
There is no impact adjustment for this activity. 
322 Credit Calculation. Up to 140 credit points are provided for this activity. The credit points 
are based on whether all of the prerequisites are met and whether the service is provided through 
personal contact, a website, or other remote service provider. 
323 Credit Documentation. The community must have the following documentation 
available to verify implementation of this activity. 
a. Documentation that shows how the service was publicized. 
b. If another agency provides this service, documentation that the agency agrees to provide the 
service to all inquirers and it will allow the ISO/CRS Specialist to verify its work. 
c. Records of institutions and agencies that were notified of this service. 
d. A record or log of requests for information. The record must note the date, the FIRM zone, the 
address or location of the property in question, and whether the inquirer was advised of the 
insurance purchase requirement and/or coastal barrier designation. 
e. Documentation showing how the FIRM is kept updated at least annually. The community must 
maintain copies of the FIRMs. 
324 For More Information. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 320-1 Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

320 MAP INFORMATION SERVICE 


Credit is provided for providing inquirers with information from the communitys Flood 
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), including whether a property is in a Special Flood Hazard 
Area (SFHA), which zone, and its base flood elevation. Credit depends on publicizing 
this service and advising inquirers about the mandatory flood insurance purchase 
requirement. 
Background: This public information service can greatly help a communitys residents 
as well as its banks, insurance agents, real estate agents, and anyone else who needs 
flood hazard information. It is particularly helpful to those who have trouble reading 
maps, people from out of town, and those who do not have access to the latest maps. 
This activity is also intended to bring other available community resources to bear on 
each individual situation. Such resources include local topographic, planning, road, and 
utility maps; geographic information systems; special hazard area maps; permit 
records; and subdivision plats. Where they are available, these other resources can 
complement the FIRM as sources of additional flood data or more detailed map 
information. (NOTE: for compliance with the mandatory purchase requirement, the 
current FIRM (or Letter of Map Change) is the only legal document allowed to be used 
by lenders or third party vendors.) 
Activity Description: There are seven prerequisites for full credit under this activity: 
1. If requested, the community must provide all of the following FIRM information: 
a. Whether the property is in an SFHA, 
b. The community number, 
c. The panel number and suffix, 
d. The date of the FIRMs index (cover panel), 
e. The FIRM zone, e.g., A, C, X, V, AE, A2, AO, etc., 
f. The base flood elevation (the depth in AO Zones) where shown on the FIRM, 
g. The elevation datum used on the FIRM, if other than NGVD, and 
h. Whether the property is on an undeveloped coastal barrier or otherwise 
protected area as designated on the FIRM. 
2. If the property is in an SFHA, the community must inform the inquirer of the 
mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement, as appropriate. This may be done 
by advising the inquirer that flood insurance may be required because of the 
propertys location or by providing a written summary of the requirement (e.g., the 
example in Figure 320-1). 
CRS Coordinators Manual 320-2 Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

3. If the FIRM shows the property to be in an undeveloped coastal barrier or 
otherwise protected area of the Coastal Barrier Resources System, the community 
must advise the inquirer that flood insurance, federal disaster assistance, and other 
types of federal financial assistance are not available for buildings constructed or 
substantially improved after the effective date of designation, as shown on the 
FIRM. 
4. The map used for this service must be kept updated at least annually to reflect new 
subdivisions, annexations, flood insurance restudies, map revisions, and map 
amendments (including Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs) and Letters of Map 
Revision (LOMRs)). The community must also maintain copies of all FIRMs that 
have been in effect since 1999 or the date the community applied for this credit, 
whichever is later. 
5. The service must be publicized at least once a year. If the community uses a 
website for its services, the sites address or URL must be publicized. The publicity 
must state that the community also has copies of elevation certificates for some 
properties in the floodplain. 
6. If the community is receiving CRS credit for mapping and regulating one of the 
special hazard areas described in Section 401, inquirers must be advised if the 
property falls within a special hazard area and what precautions should be taken 
when developing or improving the property. 
7. The service must provide an opportunity for the inquirer to talk to community staff 
about map and floodplain management questions. 
There are many benefits to providing FIRM information. Residents and businesses that are 
aware of the potential flood hazard can take steps to avoid problems and/or reduce their 
exposure to flooding. Communities are the best source of map information because they can 
often supplement and clarify the FIRM with complementary maps, and with information on 
additional hazards, flooding outside mapped areas, development regulations that affect 
floodplain properties, flood insurance, and property protection measures. NOTE: For 
compliance with the mandatory purchase requirement, the current FIRM (or Letter of Map 
Change) is the only legal document allowed to be used by lenders or third party vendors. 

Acceptable methods of providing map information include, but are not limited to: 

 
Reading the FIRM in response to a telephone call; 
 
Helping a person who walks into the office read the FIRM; 
 
Completing a form based on a marked-up street map sent in by an inquirer (see 
example, Figure 320-2). It is recommended that a local form or form letter include 
a disclaimer like the one in Figure 320-2; or 
 
Directing an inquirer to a website or other provider of the service, provided that 
the inquirer can obtain the information by entering a street address. There is no 
credit for simply having a map on the website or expecting an inquirer to read the 
map. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 320-
3 
Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

About the Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Requirement 

NFIP: This community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes 
federally backed flood insurance available for all eligible buildings, whether they are in a floodplain or not. 
Flood insurance covers direct losses caused by surface flooding, including a river flowing over its banks, a 
lake or ocean storm, and local drainage problems. 

The NFIP insures buildings, including mobile homes, with two types of coverage: building and contents. 
Building coverage is for the walls, floors, insulation, furnace, and other items permanently attached to the 
structure. Contents coverage may be purchased separately, if the contents are in an insurable building. 

Mandatory Purchase Requirement: The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood 
Insurance Reform Act of 1994 made the purchase of flood insurance mandatory for federally backed 
mortgages on buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). It also affects all forms of Federal 
or Federally related financial assistance for buildings located in SFHAs. The SFHA is the base (100-year) 
floodplain mapped on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). It is shown as one or more zones that begin 
with the letter A or V. 

The rule applies to secured mortgage loans from such financial institutions as commercial lenders, savings 
and loan associations, savings banks, and credit unions that are regulated, supervised, or insured by Federal 
agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of Thrift Supervision. It also 
applies to all mortgage loans purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in the secondary mortgage market. 

Federal financial assistance programs affected by the laws include loans and grants from agencies such as 
the Department of Veterans Affairs, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, Small 
Business Administration, and the Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA). 

How it Works: Lenders are required to complete a Standard Flood Hazard Determination (SFHD) form 
whenever they make, increase, extend or renew a mortgage, home equity, home improvement, commercial, 
or farm credit loan to determine if the building or manufactured (mobile) home is in an SFHA. It is the 
Federal agencys or the lenders responsibility to check the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to 
determine if the building is in an SFHA. Copies of the FIRM are available for review in most local 
government building or planning departments. Lenders may also have copies or they use a flood zone 
determination company to provide the SFHD form., 

If the building is in a SFHA, the Federal agency or lender is required by law to require the recipient to 
purchase a flood insurance policy on the building. Federal regulations require building coverage equal to 
the amount of the loan (excluding appraised value of the land) or the maximum amount of insurance 
available from the NFIP, whichever is less. The maximum amount available for a single-family residence is 
$250,000. Government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, have stricter 
requirements. 

The mandatory purchase requirement does not affect loans or financial assistance for items that are not covered by a 
flood insurance policy, such as vehicles, business expenses, landscaping, and vacant lots. It does not affect loans for 
buildings that are not in an SFHA, even though a portion of the lot may be. While not mandated by law, a lender may 
require a flood insurance policy, as a condition of a loan, for a property in any zone on a FIRM. 

If a person feels that a SFHD form incorrectly places the property in the SFHA, he or she may request a Letter of 
Determination Review from FEMA. This must be submitted within 45 days of the determination. More information 
can be found at http://www.fema.gov/fhm/fq_gen11.shtm. 

Figure 320-1. Handout on mandatory purchase of flood insurance. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-4 Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 


City of Floodville 
Building Department 
City Hall 


Date: 
RE: Flood Insurance Rate Map Information 
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: 
The property located at: , also 


known as [legal description if needed] has 
been located on the citys Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The following 
information is provided: 


Floodvilles community number: 123456 


The property is located on panel number: , Suffix: 
. 


The date of the FIRM index: May 15, 1980. 


The property is located in FIRM zone: 
. 


The main building on the property: 


is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The base flood elevation 
at the property is: , NGVD. Federal law requires that a flood zone 
determination be done as a condition of a federally backed mortgage to 
determine if the structure is in an SFHA and if so, to require flood 
insurance. It is up to the lender to determine whether flood insurance is 
required for a property. 


is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. However, the property may 
still be subject to local drainage problems or other unmapped flood hazard. 
Flood insurance from the NFIP is available at non-floodplain rates. A flood 
insurance policy can still be required by a lender. 


A decision about the buildings exact location cannot be made on the FIRM. 
A copy of the FIRM is attached for your information. 


Flood insurance from the NFIP is available for any property in Floodville. 
More information on flood insurance is attached. This office has copies of 
FEMA Elevation Certificates for all buildings constructed in the SFHA since 
1990. Questions on this letter and the Citys floodplain management program 
are welcome at this office by calling 555-123-1234. 


NOTE: This information is based on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for the City. 
This letter does not imply that the referenced property will or will not be 
free from flooding or damage. A property not in a Special Flood Hazard Area 
may be damaged by a flood greater than that predicted on the FIRM or from 
a 
local drainage problem not shown on the map.


Building Official 



Figure 320-2. Floodvilles map information record. 

NOTE: If Floodville was a coastal community with designated undeveloped coastal barriers, 
this record would have a section on whether the property was in such an area. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-5 Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

The community may charge a reasonable fee for providing map information to cover staff 
time and office overhead. This service should not include surveying or similar costs to collect 
new data, such as ground elevations. 

To receive credit for this activity, the communitys program must meet all seven of the 
prerequisites. The following comments correspond to these prerequisites. 

1. 
The list in Section 1 of the Activity Description comprises the FIRM information needed 
to complete most of Section B of the FEMA elevation certificate (see Section 310). A 
copy of the elevation certificate for the property, if available, can suffice as meeting the 
minimum requirements. There is no pro-rating for providing only some of the needed map 
information. 
The community need only supply the flood data requested. If the inquirer only wants to 
know if a building is in a floodplain, then advising whether it is in an SFHA as shown on 
the FIRM is sufficient. If a property is too close to the SFHA boundary to determine what 
FIRM zone the building is in, the community may give the inquirer a copy of the FIRM 
and advise that the FIRM zone cannot be determined based on the map information 
available. 

The community is not required to provide data that do not appear on the FIRM, such as 
base flood elevations in unnumbered A Zones, but providing additional information from 
other maps and sources of flood hazard and flood protection information is encouraged. 

The community must respond to an information request within a reasonable period of 
time. 

2. 
If the person performing the map information service finds that a property is in the SFHA, 
he or she must inform the inquirer about the mandatory flood insurance purchase 
requirement (see Figure 320-1). 
An alternative is to provide a summary similar to that in the booklet, Mandatory 
Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines, FEMA-186, listed in Section 324, For More 
Information. A third alternative is to hand out a one-page summary, as shown in Figure 
320-1. Handouts may be easier for the community to produce and distribute, but they do 
not necessarily help people who have trouble reading technical material or who want 
simple answers to simple questions. 

Communities should be aware that federally regulated lenders are legally responsible for 
determining if a flood insurance policy is required for a loan. Under the National Flood 
Insurance Reform Act of 1994, if a third party vendor, i.e., someone other than a lender, 
provides map information to decide if a flood insurance policy is required for a loan, the 
information must be guaranteed. Communities are not considered third party vendors. 
This activity credits providing map information to inquirers. It is not intended to 
encourage communities to assume the lenders responsibility. See also Figure 320-3. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-
6 
Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

Flood Hazard Determination Review 

Activity 320 credits a map information service provided by the community. The mandatory purchase 
requirement places the responsibility on lenders to determine whether to require a flood insurance policy 
as a condition of a loan (see Figure 320-1). Many lenders hire map determination companies as third party 
vendors to assist them. 

Sometimes a property is incorrectly placed in the SFHA by the lender or its map determination company. 
The property owner may come to the community asking for help or advice. The local official is welcome 
to double check the determination, but the inquirer should be informed that the determination is the 
lenders responsibility and the local government has no authority over it. 

If it appears that the property is outside the SFHA, but the map determination says that it is inside, the 
owner can ask FEMA for a determination review within 45 days of the notice. A Flood Hazard 
Determination Review is requested jointly by the owner and the lender. Procedures for requesting the 
review can be found at http://www.fema.gov/fhm/fq_gen11.shtm. 

If the submittal is complete and on time, FEMA will issue a Letter of Determination Review (LODR). 
This review does not result in an amendment or revision to the effective FIRM. It is only a finding about 
the location of a building or manufactured home relative to a designated SFHA. 

A LODR only affects the Federal requirement for purchase of flood insurance. However, the mortgage 
lender always has the option to require flood insurance as a condition of providing financing, regardless of 
the location of the structure. If the map needs to be changed, the property owner can submit a request for a 
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). 

Figure 320-3. Flood hazard determination review. 

3. 
Undeveloped coastal barriers and otherwise protected areas of the Coastal Barrier 
Resources System are designated as such by Congress. The intent is to prohibit most 
expenditures of federal funds within these coastal barriers. The CBRA provisions are 
summarized in Figure 320-4. 
If the local official cannot determine whether a property is within a designated coastal 
barrier or otherwise protected area, he or she can inform the inquirer to check with the 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, either at a local office or by checking the website at 
http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/coastal_barrier.htm. 
If the person providing the map information service finds that a property is in a 
designated coastal barrier, he or she must inform the inquirer about the designation, the 
fact that a flood insurance policy cannot be sold for a building constructed after the date 
of designation, and the limits on federal assistance. 

Communities with designated undeveloped coastal barriers should determine the date(s) 
on which the restrictions went into effect locally. More information on the rules for these 
areas can be found in the Flood Insurance Manual for insurance agents, by checking with 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or its website, http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/ 
coastal_barrier.htm. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-
7 
Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

The Coastal Barrier Resources System 

The Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (CBRA), and the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 
1990 removed the federal government from financial involvement associated with building and 
development in undeveloped portions of coastal areas (including the Great Lakes). These areas were 
mapped and designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) units and Otherwise Protected 
Areas. They are colloquially called CBRA areas. (pronounced cobra but not spelled that way). 

Any federal program that may have the effect of encouraging development on coastal barrier islands is 
restricted by law. These programs include any form of loan, grant, guarantee, insurance, payment, 
rebate, subsidy or any other form of direct or indirect Federal assistance with specific and limited 
exceptions. For example, federal disaster assistance is limited to emergency relief in CBRA areas 
there are no loans or grants to repair or rebuild buildings in those areas. 

The legislation also banned the sale of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance for 
structures built or substantially improved on or after a specified date. For the first CBRA designations, 
that date is October 1, 1983. For all subsequent designations, it is the date the CBRA area was 
identified. CBRA areas and their identification dates are shown in the legend of Flood Insurance Rate 
Maps (FIRMs). 

If an owner of a building in a CBRA area wants to buy flood insurance, he or she would need a copy 
of the building permit showing that the building was properly built before the designation date and a 
signed statement from the floodplain ordinance administrator that it had not been substantially 
damaged or improved since then. The insurance agent may need to provide more documentation. 

The boundaries of a CBRA area cannot be revised through the Letter of Map Amendment or Revision 
(LOMA/LOMR) process. They can only be revised through: 

. 
Congressional action, 
. 
Interpretation of boundaries by the U.S. Department of the Interiors Fish and Wildlife Service, 
or 
. 
Cartographic modifications by Department of Homeland Securitys FEMA to correct errors in 
the transcription of the Department of the Interior maps onto FIRMs. 
If an NFIP policy is issued in error in a CBRA area, it will be cancelled and the premium refunded. No 
claim can be paid, even if the mistake is not found until a claim is made. 

If a grandfathered building (i.e., a building built before the date of designation) is substantially 
improved or substantially damaged, its flood insurance policy will be cancelled. 

Lenders are required to notify borrowers if the structure is in a CBRA area and that NFIP flood 
insurance and/or disaster assistance may not be available . Many lenders are reluctant to lend without 
protecting their investment with flood insurance and private flood insurance may not be available. 

Figure 320-4. Provisions of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-8 Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

4. 
The community, as well as a lender, must use the latest FIRM. The community is 
responsible for ensuring that the FIRM it uses is updated to reflect new subdivisions and 
changes in corporate limits. The communitys FIRM also needs to show all new FIRM 
data from flood insurance restudies, map revisions, and map amendments. This may mean 
plotting every Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) 
or noting on the paper FIRM that LOMAs and LOMRs have been issued. 
The community must also maintain copies of prior FIRMs that have been in effect since 
1999 or the date the community applied for this credit, whichever is later. It is 
recommended that the community maintain a copy of every FIRM that has been published 
(credit for this is available under Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance)). Copies of prior 
FIRMs may be available from the National Service Providers Regional Management 
Centers (see Section 324.e). 

Communities that use a digital map, GIS, or map overlays should consider applying for 
credit for Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance), which has the same prerequisite. 

5. 
The map information service must be publicized at least once a year. The publicity must 
say that elevation certificates are available for public review. For example, if the 
community started keeping elevation certificates after 1990, the publicity could state 
Copies of FEMA elevation certificates on all buildings constructed in the floodplain 
since 1990 are available at the Building Department. 
Publicity for the service may be directed to the entire community or to three key 
audiences: lenders (banks, savings and loans, credit unions, etc.), insurance agents, and 
real estate agents. This can be done in one of three ways: 

a) Advise everyone about the map information service through one of three kinds of 
outreach projects: 

 
An outreach project to the community credited under OPC in Activity 330 
(Outreach Projects); 
 
An outreach project pursuant to the public information strategy (OPS) credited in 
Activity 330, provided the public information strategy document discusses the best 
way to advise the target audiences; or 
 
An outreach project that advises all residents and businesses in the community 
about the service, but is not credited under Activity 330 (e.g., a short notice with 
all tax or utility bills). 
b) An annual mailing (or e-mail) to all local lenders and insurance and real estate 
agencies. If the community cannot reach all three of these target audiences, it may 
receive partial credit for this activity. 

c) 
An annual article in the newsletters or magazines of appropriate organizations, such as 
the local Board of Realtors, the local chapter of the American Bankers Association, 
or the states insurance department. If the Chamber of Commerce or similar 


CRS Coordinators Manual 320-
9 
Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

organization has a newsletter that reaches all the appropriate offices in the community, 
a notice in the newsletter will suffice. 

These publicity methods are described in more detail in Section 323, Credit 
Documentation. The first method would be the most efficient and economical one if the 
community can use an existing newsletter or other annual mailing that reaches everyone 
in the community. The third approach can help where there are many communities 
implementing this activity and where one bank or insurance agency deals with several 
communities (in metropolitan areas, for example). A master list of communities providing 
map information could be prepared and distributed each year by a state or regional 
agency. 

6. 
The CRS credits mapping and regulating special flood-related hazards, such as subsidence 
and coastal erosion. These credits are described in Section 401, Special Hazard Areas, and 
in separate publications. If the community is receiving CRS credit for mapping and 
regulating one of these hazards, the map information service must include telling inquirers 
if the property in question is also in the mapped special hazard area and any additional 
regulatory requirements the community may have for developing properties in that area. 
7. 
The service must provide an opportunity for the inquirers to talk to community staff about 
map and floodplain management questions. One value of the map information service is 
that it provides an opportunity for the staff person responding to the inquiry to determine 
whether all of the inquirers questions have been answered and to provide additional 
information on related topics, such as permit requirements and past flooding. 
Therefore, the service must include an opportunity for personal contact. If the service is 
provided remotely, such as through a website, contractor, or by taking written or faxed 
requests, the annual publicity and the response to the inquirer must include a telephone 
number that can be called for further questions about map information and the 
communitys floodplain management program. 

A community may enter into an agreement with another agency, such as a regional 
planning commission, to provide map information. To receive CRS credit, there must be a 
written agreement that clarifies that the agency providing the service will respond to all 
inquirers and will allow the ISO/CRS Specialist to verify its work. The service must be 
publicized and a record of the inquiries must be maintained to facilitate verification of 
this credit (see Sections 323.b, c, and d). 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-10 
Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

321 Credit Points 

Maximum credit for Activity 320: 140 points 
Map Information Service: 
MI = 140 points, if the communitys service meets all seven of the prerequisites 
described under the Activity Description. 


Credit is dependent upon both providing and publicizing the service. The communitys 
method of providing map information and the accuracy of the information will be checked 
during the verification visit. The score for MI will be adjusted accordingly. 

Example 321-1. Floodville responds to verbal and written inquiries. If the 
property cannot be located easily based on the street address, the lot and block 
numbers are requested. The form shown in Figure 320-2 is completed and signed by 
the building official. A copy of the form is kept in a separate file. 

When the city designed the map information form, it met with local insurance agents 
and obtained an order form for flood insurance brochures and stuffers. They are 
available free in quantity from the National Flood Insurance Program. Floodville also 
prepared a flyer based on the information in Figure 320-1. If a property is located in 
an SFHA, the appropriate box is checked and a stuffer and the flyer are attached to 
the form. 

The publicity for Floodvilles service is explained in Example 323.a-1. Because the 
service is provided and publicized, MI = 140. 

322 Credit Calculation 

c320 = MI 

Example 322-1. As explained above, MI for Floodville = 140. 
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist confirms that the maps are being 
read correctly in all five of the samples checked. 
c320 = 140 x 1.0 = 140. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-11 Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

323 Credit Documentation 

The community must submit the following documentation: 
a. Documentation that shows how the community publicizes the service each year. 
The publicity must: 
be distributed at least once a year; 
explain how to access the service, i.e., what telephone number to call, or what 
internet address to use to access the website; 
provide a telephone number for more information about flood maps and the 
communitys floodplain management program (if different from the number to 
call for the map information service); and 
describe what elevation certificates are available for public review. 
1. If the community publicizes this service through an annual outreach project 
credited under Activity 330 (OPC or OPS), the publicity materials may be 
included with the documentation for Activity 330. 320 must be noted in the 
margin of the outreach project where the map information service is addressed. 
If an OPS is used, the public information strategy document must discuss the 
best way to publicize the map information service to the target audiences. 
2. If the community publicizes this service through an annual outreach project that 
is not credited under Activity 330, a copy of the project. The materials must be 
distributed each year and must reach at least 90% of the properties in the 
community (vacant lots are not counted). 
3. If the community sends a letter or e-mail directly to lending institutions and real 
estate and insurance agencies, a copy of the letter or e-mail message. 
4. If the community notifies organizations of lending institutions and real estate and 
insurance agencies, copies of the notices in their publications. If any of the 
organizations has not yet published the notices, documentation must include 
written assurance from the organization that it intends to publish the notification 
within six months of the CRS application date. 
Example 323.a-1. Floodvilles State NFIP Coordinator has initiated a system of 
sending a master list of communities that provide map information to the state offices 
that regulate lenders and insurance agents. The list is also sent to the state Board of 
Realtors. The Coordinator met with these offices and gave them sample articles 
that are used to publicize the local services. Copies of the articles actually published 
and sent to lenders, insurance agents and real estate agents are included with 
Floodvilles application. The article for the insurance agents publication includes a 
note that Floodville also has FEMA elevation certificates available for all buildings 
constructed in the floodplain since 1986. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-12 Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

Example 323.a-2. Watertown sends a brochure to all addresses in the 
community as an OPC outreach project in Activity 330. Included is the following 
notice: 

Floodplain Questions? 

If you want to know if a property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, check 
our website at www.Watertown.org/flood/mapinfo. Youll find a wealth of 
information on the Citys Flood Insurance Rate Map, flood insurance,special 
rules for building in the floodplain, and ideas for protecting your property 
from flood damage. Or you can call the Building Department with all of your 
floodplain questions at 555/123-4567. The Building Department also has 
copies of FEMA elevation certificates for all buildings constructed in the 
floodplain since 1987. 

b. If another agency or organization provides map information, documentation that the 
agency agrees to provide the service to all inquirers and will allow the CRS to verify 
its work. 
The community must have the following documentation available to verify 
implementation of this activity: 
c. Records of which institutions and agencies were notified of this service. If the 
community sends letters to institutions and agencies, a mailing list for those 
institutions and agencies. 
d. A record or log noting: 
1. the date of the inquiry, 
2. the address or location of the property in question, 
3. the FIRM zone, 
4. whether the inquirer was advised of the rules on mandatory flood insurance 
purchase, 
5. whether the inquirer was advised of the CBRA areas and the financial 
assistance and flood insurance limitations in those areas (if appropriate), and 
6. Whether the inquirer was advised of additional special flood-related hazards 
and the precautions that should be taken when developing or improving the 
property (where appropriate). 
Copies of letters will suffice for this documentation where the information is provided in 
writing. A sample of such a letter is shown in Figure 320-2. A log is required if information is 
given orally or on the telephone. A sample log is shown in Figure 320-5. Copies of the log or 
letters are also required if another agency or organization provides the map information. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-13 Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

e. 
Documentation showing how the community keeps the FIRM updated at least 
annually to reflect new subdivisions, annexations, flood insurance restudies, map 
revisions, and map amendments (including LOMAs and LOMRs). The community 
must also have copies of all FIRMs that have been in effect since 1999 or the date 
the community applied for this credit, whichever is later. 
LOG OF WALK-IN AND TELEPHONE MAP INFORMATION INQUIRIES


 INSURANCE DESIGNATED 
INFORMATION COASTAL 
DATE TYPE ADDRESS PANEL ZONE ELEV GIVEN BARRIER 

2/3 W 201 W. Main 0001B AE 734 H No . 
2/4 T 309 W. Mumford 0001B X N/A N/A No . 
2/4 T 907 S. Busey 0002B AE 727 V No . 
2/5 L 408 E. Marion 0001B A N/A H No . 
2/5 W 3rd & State 0002B AE 730 H No . 
Codes: 
W - walk in T - telephone request L - written request 
H - gave handout V - told verbally N/A - not applicable


 NOTE: If all of the map information comes from the same FIRM, the community 
number is not logged. The community in this example has only one FIRM based upon
NGVD, so the FIRM date and datum are not included in the log. Also, the panel 
number logged includes the suffix. The community has all of the data required 
for this activity in its log. 


 Communities that have no undeveloped coastal barriers designated on their FIRMs 
do not need the last column of the log. 


Communities receiving credit for one or more of the special flood-related 
hazards need to include a column on special hazards as a reminder to advise 
inquirers if the property is subject to that hazard.


Figure 320-5. Sample log for a map information service. 

324 For More Information 

Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource 
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/. 

a. 
Copies of the following booklets are available free in quantity. See the FEMA Order Form 
at the end of Appendix E. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 320-14 
Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA-387, 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, August 2001. (This is also available from 
FEMAs website at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/qanda.shtm.) 

How to Use a Flood Map to Determine Flood Risk For a Property. FEMA-258, 1995. 

Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines, FEMA-186, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, 1999. This booklet discusses the legal background of the flood 
insurance purchase requirement, particularly from the lenders perspective. (This is 
also available from FEMAs website at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/mpurfi.shtm.) 

See also FEMAs flood hazard mapping website at 

http://www.fema.gov/fhm/fq_gen.shtm. 

Information on FEMAs review of a map determination can be found at 

http://www.fema.gov/fhm/fq_gen11.shtm. 

b. 
Flyers and stuffers about flood insurance are available through the National Flood 
Insurance Program. Contact a local insurance agent who sells flood insurance for 
examples and order forms; they are also available from: 
FEMA Distribution Center 

P.O. Box 2010 
Jessup, MD 20794-2012 
1-800-480-2520 
Fax: (301) 362-5335 
c. 
Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources 
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water 
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat. 
d. 
Assistance in determining whether a too-close-to-call property is in the Coastal Barrier 
Resources System can be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More 
information on the CBRS can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services website at 
http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/coastal_barrier.htm. 

e. 
Communities may check on past FIRMs and obtain background data by calling 1-877FEMA 
MAP. They can also submit a written inquiry through this link: 
http://www.fema.gov/fhm/tsd_emap.shtm. 
f. 
The Compendium of Flood Map Changes is a list of all the changes made to the NFIP 
maps including Physical Map Revisions, Letters of Map Revision, and Letters of Map 
Amendment during a given 6-month period. The list is updated every 6 months and 
published in the Federal Register. See http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_comp.shtm. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 320-15 
Edition: 2006 


Map Information Service 

[This page intentionally blank.] 

CRS Coordinators Manual 320-16 Edition: 2006 


330 OUTREACH PROJECTS 


Summary of Activity 330 
331 Credit Points. There are five elements in this activity for a maximum of 380 points. The credit 
points are partially based on the number of topics covered by each outreach project. 
a. Outreach projects to the entire community (OPC): Up to 60 points are provided for sending written 
information to all properties in the community through a mailing or newsletter. 
b. Outreach projects to the floodplain properties (OPF): Up to 130 points are provided for sending a 
notice directed to properties in floodprone areas. The notice must clearly explain that the recipients 
property is subject to flooding. 
c. 1. Additional outreach projects (OPA): Up to 60 points are provided for conducting up to three 
additional outreach projects, such as a flood awareness week or flyers inserted in local 
newspapers, that will reach some of the population; OR 
2. Outreach projects pursuant to a public information program strategy (OPS): Up to 125 points 
are provided for implementation of additional projects that are identified in a public information 
program strategy. There is no OPA credit if the community receives credit for OPS. 
d. Promotion of flood insurance (PFI): Up to 65 points are provided for distributing a letter or brochure 
on flood insurance to all properties in the community. 
332 Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are totaled. 
333 Credit Documentation. The community must have the following documentation available 
to verify implementation of this activity. 
a. Copies of the notices, flyers, and other materials used in the outreach projects. 
b. [If the community applies for credit under Section 331.c.2] A copy of the public information 
program strategy document and documentation that it is being implemented by the community. 
c. Documentation that shows when the outreach projects are undertaken. 
d. [If the community applies for credit for PFI under Section 331.d] An estimate of the number of 
buildings, apartments, and condominium units in the community and in the SFHA and how the 
numbers were calculated. 
The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification: 
e. Copies of the communitys outreach projects that were conducted that year. 
f. [If the community applies for credit under Section 331.c.2] A copy of the annual evaluation of the 
communitys public information program strategy. 
334 For More Information. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-1 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

330 OUTREACH PROJECTS 

NOTE: A separate publication, CRS Credit for Outreach Projects, provides an example of a 
community program and application documentation. Communities are encouraged to obtain 
and read this document before applying for this activity. It will improve the quality of the 
application and reduce the need to provide additional documentation later. To order a free 
copy, see Appendix E. 

Credit is provided for advising people of the flood hazard, the availability of flood 
insurance, and/or flood protection methods. 

Background: Just notifying people that they are exposed to a flood hazard can help 
motivate them to purchase flood insurance or protect their properties. 

Research has proven that awareness of the hazard is not enough; people need to be told what 
they can do about it. Research has also shown that a properly run local information program 
is more effective than national advertising or publicity campaigns. 

Activity Description: This activity credits public information projects that reach out to 
people, rather than a service to respond to inquiries. To receive credit under this 
activity, a community may do one or more of five types of projects: 

a. Send written information to all properties in the community through a newsletter, 
utility bill, telephone book, or other document that is sent to all properties. 
b. Send a notice directed to properties in floodprone areas. The notice must be 
distributed to all properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and those 
additional areas known to have flooding problems. The notice must clearly explain 
that the recipients property is in or near an area subject to flooding. 
c. EITHER: 
1. 
Conduct other outreach projects, such as a flood awareness week or flyers 
inserted in local newspapers, that will reach some of the population; OR 
2. 
Conduct other outreach projects pursuant to a locally prepared public 
information program strategy. 
d. Distribute a letter or brochure on flood insurance to all properties in the community 
or all properties in the SFHA. 
Several other activities have publicity requirements that may be met with an outreach project 
that is credited under this activity. These include Activities 320 (Map Information Service), 
360 (Flood Protection Assistance), 510 (Floodplain Management Planning), 540 (Drainage 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-
2 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

System Maintenance), and 610 (Flood Warning Program). Outreach projects should be 
designed with these publicity needs in mind. An example of this is shown in Figure 330-1. 

331 Credit Points 

Maximum credit for Activity 330: 380 points 
Credit for the outreach projects is based on both the type of project and the topics 
covered. For credit, an outreach publication must fully cover a topic. There are 10 
topics that can be covered to receive full credit under OPC, OPF, or OPA. 
1. The local flood hazard. 
2. Flood safety (required for full credit under Activity 610, Flood Warning Program). 
3. Flood insurance (required for repetitive loss area outreach projects under 
Section 503). 
4. Property protection measures (required for repetitive loss area outreach projects 
under Section 503). 
5. The natural and beneficial functions of the local floodplain. 
6. A map of the local flood hazard. 
7. The flood warning system (required for full credit under Activity 610, Flood 
Warning Program). 
8. Floodplain development permit requirements. 
9. The substantial improvement/substantial damage requirements. 
10. Drainage system maintenance (required for full credit for stream dumping 
regulations under Activity 540, Drainage System Maintenance). 
Examples of a variety of outreach projects, including samples of several brochures produced 
by federal agencies and others, are included in the publication CRS Credit for Outreach 
Projects. This publication is available at no cost (see Appendix E). 

Credit usually will not be given if an outreach project contains only a single sentence on a 
topic. As discussed below, the topic should be covered in enough detail to be useful to the 
reader. If the information provided in one year is inadequate for Community Rating System 
(CRS) credit, the community may augment it and apply for additional credit in a modification 
in a later year (see Section 215). 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-3 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

The 10 topics that can earn credit are 

1. 
The local flood hazard: The project should include the source(s) of flooding (such as 
the names of the rivers or a statement that the greatest threat is storm surge from the 
ocean), information about past floods, and additional data on local flooding, such as 
velocities or the possibility of mudflows. At a minimum, this should include all flood 
hazards discussed in the communitys Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood 
Insurance Study. If the community provides map or additional flood hazard 
information as credited under Activities 320 (Map Information Service) or 360 (Flood 
Protection Assistance), the service could be publicized under this topic. 
2. 
Flood safety: Emergency precautions should be discussed, such as turning off the 
electricity and gas, not wading through moving floodwaters, or staying clear of 
unstable stream banks. Precautions against driving through flooded areas must be 
included. If the community is applying for credit for emergency warning 
dissemination under Activity 610 (Flood Warning Program), it must receive full credit 
for covering this topic. In coastal areas, the project should explain the need to 
evacuate when an evacuation order or advisory is issued. 
3. Flood insurance: 
The project should note that standard property insurance does not 
cover flood damage but that flood insurance is available in the community. It should 
include some basic facts, such as why flood insurance is important, the 26% chance of 
experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage, the types of insurance 
coverage, and the fact that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into 
effect. The project should note whether the community has any undeveloped coastal 
barriers where insurance may not be available. This topic must be covered in the 
outreach project that is implemented to meet the annual notice requirement for 
repetitive loss communities (see Section 503.e). 
4. 
Property protection measures: Measures to protect a property from flood damage 
include retrofitting, grading a yard, correcting local drainage problems, and such 
emergency measures as moving furniture and sandbagging. Retrofitting measures are 
discussed in Activity 530 (Flood Protection). In areas subject to hurricanes and 
tropical storms, measures that protect against high winds should be mentioned, such as 
installing storm shutters and reinforced garage doors. 
If the community provides property protection or retrofitting advice as credited under 
Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance), the service could be publicized under this 
topic. This topic must be covered in the outreach project that is implemented to meet 
the annual notice requirement for repetitive loss communities (see Section 503.e). 

5. 
Natural and beneficial functions: The outreach project should discuss the natural 
and beneficial functions of local floodplains, any unique local features, the importance 
of protecting these functions, and how they can be protected. For CRS credit the 
discussion must address local conditions. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-
4 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

6. 
Map of the local flood hazard: If the project includes a map of the communitys 
flood hazard areas, it must meet the following criteria: 
a. 
The map must clearly show every street affected, although all streets do not have 
to be named. Major streets must be named. If parcel lines or other linear features 
are shown, they must be readily distinguishable from streets. 
b. 
The floodprone area must be clearly shown through shading or another method. In 
coastal communities, the coastal areas affected by storm surge from different 
categories of hurricanes can be shown on the map as an alternative to showing the 
floodplain. 
c. 
The map must be at a scale of at least 1 inch = 1 mile (about 1:62,500). A map to a 
smaller scale, such as 1 inch = 2 miles (1:125,000) may be appropriate for large 
rural areas with few streets. 
7. 
The flood warning system: Information on warning procedures, signals used, 
warning time, what radio and/or television station(s) to tune to, and similar data 
should be disseminated. These items must be covered if the community is applying for 
credit for emergency warning dissemination under Activity 610 (Flood Warning 
Program) (see Section 611.b.1(e)). No credit is awarded if the community does not 
have a flood warning system. 
8. 
Floodplain development permit requirements: The outreach project should explain 
that all developments in the floodplain (not just construction of buildings) need local 
permits. People should be advised to contact the communitys regulatory department 
before they build, fill, or otherwise develop. They should also be told how to report 
illegal floodplain development. 
9. 
The substantial improvement/damage requirements: The National Flood Insurance 
Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or 
other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the buildings market 
value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new 
building. Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same 
standards (e.g., a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% 
of the buildings value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood 
elevation). 
The outreach project should summarize the requirements (which are in the 
communitys floodplain management regulations) and the local procedures for 
enforcing them. More information on the substantial improvement and substantial 
damage rules can be found in Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged 
Buildings, FEMA-213 (see Section 334.e). 

10. Drainage system maintenance: 
The project should discuss regulations against 
dumping in channels, how to report violations, and why it is important to maintain the 
drainage system. These items must be covered if the community wants full credit for 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-
5 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

its stream dumping regulations under Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance), 
(see Section 541.b.2 and the example shown in Figure 330-1). 

The Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 
has funded several research projects to find out what will motivate people to protect 
themselves from flooding. These projects have concluded that a properly run public information program can motivate property owners to protect themselves from flood damage. 

One experiment showed that a direct mailing to floodplain residents was as effective as more 
expensive combinations of mailings, public meetings, and radio and television advertising. 
The research found that an effective public information program should be based on these 
principles: 

1. 
An initial outreach document should not be long and detailed. The objective is to raise 
the property owners interest by explaining the general idea of flood protection. More 
detailed information can be made available in a library or through technical assistance 
(see Activities 350 (Flood Protection Information) and 360 (Flood Protection 
Assistance)). 
2. 
The message must be clear and unambiguous. It should be consistent throughout the 
material used. It should be written to be understood by the lay person. 
3. 
The information should be geographically personalized so that readers see that it 
specifically addresses their situation. A brochure with a picture of a flooded local 
landmark will have a stronger impact than a state or federal publication. Individually 
addressed notices are more effective than general articles, maps, or letters addressed 
to Occupant, because they clearly tell recipients that they are affected. 
4. 
The recipient must view the information source as credible, authoritative, and 
relevant. A statement by the city engineer may be more appropriate than one by the 
governor. 
5. 
The information should cover the risk of flooding without being too technical. 
Property owners must be convinced that they will be flooded someday. 
6. 
The message must clearly articulate the most desirable measures. These measures 
must be appropriate for the hazard, affordable, and perceived as realistic by a 
property owner. They should fit in with the appearance of the areas housing. 
7. 
The information should discuss the costs and benefits of various protection measures. 
It should include the up-to-date dollar costs of implementing each measure. 
8. 
Because no retrofitting measure is foolproof, especially against higher, less frequent 
floods, flood insurance should always be recommended. In areas subject to basement 
flooding, the community should investigate the availability of private insurance 
coverage for sewer backup and sump pump failure. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-
6 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

9. 
A comprehensive program that reinforces the message from several sources at the 
local level is more productive. 
The extra effort to prepare a locally appropriate series of outreach projects will pay off as 
property owners purchase flood insurance and protect their buildings. Success in this effort 
can also be credited by the CRS under Activity 530 (Flood Protection). More credit is 
provided for a direct mailing to floodplain properties because research has shown it to be the 
most effective in motivating people to insure or floodproof their properties. 

a. Outreach projects to the entire community (OPC) (Maximum credit: 60 points) 
OPC = the sum of the points for each topic covered in written information sent to all 
properties in the community through a newsletter, utility bill, telephone book, or 
other document sent to everyone. A newspaper may be used as long as the 
information is not in a legal notice, small classified ad, or similar obscure location. 

The project must cover one or more of the 10 topics at least once a year to at least 
90% of the properties in the community. Full coverage of each topic is worth six 
points. 

The topics do not all have to be covered in the same distribution, but the distribution must 
ensure that the topics credited are covered at least once each year. For example, a community 
with a quarterly newsletter may cover two topics in each edition and be credited for covering 
eight each year. 

There is no impact adjustment for this activity. For this credit, the outreach project must be 
sent to at least 90% of the properties in the community. Properties can be counted as utility 
customers, tax parcels, or other measures that approximate all of the addresses in the 
community. Vacant lots need not be counted. 

Generally a distribution to all taxpayers, water customers, or property owners is considered 
100% distribution. A commercial newspaper can only be counted if the community can 
document that it reaches 90% of the properties in the community. 

Example 331.a-1. Floodville mails a flood protection information flyer to all 
community properties every year. A copy is shown in Figure 330-1. It is marked to 
show where each topic is covered. The flyer covers six topics: the local flood 
hazard, flood safety, flood insurance, property protection, floodplain development 
permit requirements, and drainage system maintenance. This flyer also meets the 
publicity requirements for Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance) and Activity 540 
(Drainage System Maintenance). 

OPC = 6 x 6 = 36 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-
7 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

City of Floodville 
Flood Protection Information 
Flooding in our city is caused by three sources: Foster Creek leaves its banks during heavy storms, 
snowmelt or ice jams. Floodwaters can cover many blocks up to four or five feet deep. The Southeast Ditch 
and Deadmans Run are smaller streams which flood during or soon after heavy storms. Floodwaters are not 
as deep, but they still cover streets and yards and can flood cars, garages, basements and lower floors. 
Flooding in all three areas can come with little warning. An ice jam on Foster Creek in 1982 covered 
streets within 15 minutes of forming. In July 1986, Southeast Ditch and Deadmans Run flooded within an 
hour after a thunderstorm started. Floods are also dangerous. Even though they appear to move slowly (three 
feet per second), a flood two feet deep can knock a man off his feet and float a car. 
Your property may be high enough that it was not flooded recently. However, it can still be flooded in the 
future because the next flood could be worse. If you are in the floodplain, the odds are that someday your 
property will be damaged. This flyer gives you some ideas of what you can do to protect yourself. 
City Flood Services: The first thing you should do is check your flood hazard. Flood maps and flood 
protection references are available at the Floodville Public Library. You can also visit the Building Department 
on the first floor of City Hall to see if you are in a mapped floodplain. If so, they can give you more 
information, such as depth of flooding over a buildings first floor, past flood problems in the area, and copies of 
elevation certificates on buildings built in the floodplain since 1991. They also have a handout on selecting an 
architect, engineer, or contractor. Even if you are not in a floodplain, there still may be some risk of flooding. 
If requested, the Public Works Department will visit a property to review its flood problem and explain ways 
to stop flooding or prevent flood damage. Call the Department at 555-1234. These services are free. If you are 
in a floodplain or have had a flood, drainage or sewer backup problem, check out these sources of assistance. 
What You Can Do: Several of the Citys efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how 
you can help: 
..Do not dump or throw anything into the ditches or streams. Dumping in our ditches and streams is a 
violation of Floodville City Ordinance 21.35. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and 
plug channels. A plugged channel cannot carry water and when it rains the water has to go somewhere. 
Every piece of trash contributes to flooding. 
..If your property is next to a ditch or stream, please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and 
debris. The City has a stream maintenance program which can help remove major blockages such as 
downed trees. 
..If you see dumping or debris in the ditches or streams, contact the Public Works Department at 555-
1234. 
..Always check with the Building Department before you build on, alter, regrade, or fill on your property. 
A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties. 
..If you see building or filling without a City permit sign posted, contact the Building Dept. at 555-1234. 
..Check out the following information on floodproofing, flood insurance and flood safety. 
Floodproofing: There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage. One way is to keep 
the water away by regrading your lot or building a small floodwall or earthen berm. These methods work if 
your lot is large enough, if flooding is not too deep, and if your property is not in the floodway. The Building 
Department can provide this information. 
Another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways. This 
method is not recommended for houses with basements or if water will get over two feet deep. 
OPC 
Local Flood Hazard 
FPA-360 Publicity 
DrainagePermits 
Property Protection 
Figure 330-1a. Floodvilles outreach project to the community. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-8 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

A third approach is to raise the house above flood levels. A small wood frame house can be elevated for 
less than $10,000. Sound crazy? Check out some of the houses on St. Marys Road near 40th Street. The 
owners had a contractor raise their homes three feet for under $6,000 each. The owners did the stairs, the deck, 
and the landscaping themselves. In 1988, the Foster Creek flood went under these houses without damaging 
them. 
Many houses, even those not in the floodplain, have sewers that back up into the basement during heavy 
rains. A plug or standpipe can stop this if the water doesnt get more than one or two feet deep. They can be 
purchased at a hardware store for under $25. For deeper sewer backup flooding, talk to a plumber about 
overhead sewers or a backup valve. Last year five Floodville homes got overhead sewers or backup valves. 
These measures are called floodproofing or retrofitting. More information is available at the Floodville 
Public Library. Important note: Any alteration to your building or land requires a permit from the Building 
Department. Even regrading or filling in the floodplain requires a permit. 
If you know a flood is coming, you should shut off the gas and electricity and move valuable contents 
upstairs. It is unlikely that you will get much warning, so a detailed checklist prepared in advance would help 
ensure that you dont forget anything. 
If you dont have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners 
insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because Floodville participates in the National 
Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the 
Federal government and is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded. 
Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they got a 
mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just 
cover the buildings structure and not the contents. During the 
kind of flooding that happens in Floodville, there is usually more 
damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the structure. 
At last count, there were 55 flood insurance policies in 
Floodville. If you are covered, double-check that the building 
coverage is adequate and make sure you have contents coverage. 
Remember: Even if the last flood missed you or you have done 
some flood-proofing, the next flood could be worse. Flood insurance covers all surface floods. 
Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash 
floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in 
standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there. 
Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Dont drive around 
road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. 
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. 
Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Power Company or City 
emergency management office. 
Have your electricity turned off by the Power Company. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep 
electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Dont use appliances or motors that have gotten wet 
unless they have been taken apart, cleaned, and dried. 
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek 
shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals. 
Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and 
nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery. 
Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Dont smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open 
flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. 
Flood Safety 
Dont wait for the next flood to buy 
insurance protection. There is a 30-day 
waiting period before National Flood 
Insurance Program coverage takes effect. 
Contact your insurance agent for more 
information on rates and coverage. 
Flood Insurance: 
Figure 330-1b. Page two of Floodvilles outreach project to the community. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-9 Edition: 2006


Outreach Projects 

b. Outreach projects to floodplain properties (OPF) (Maximum credit: 130 points) 
OPF = the sum of the points for each topic covered in written information sent to all 
properties in the communitys floodprone areas. The notice must be distributed to all 
properties in the SFHA and other areas known to have flood problems. The notice 
must clearly explain that the recipients property is subject to flooding. 

The project must cover one or more of the 10 topics at least once a year to at least 
90% of the properties in the floodplain. Full coverage of each topic is worth 13 
points. 

The project must clearly tell the readers that their properties are subject to flooding (e.g., a 
letter that begins: Your property is in or near the flood hazard area as mapped by the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency). There is no impact adjustment for this activity. For this 
credit, the outreach project must be sent to at least 90% of the properties in the floodplain. 
Properties are counted the same way as in Section 331.a, Outreach Projects to the entire 
Community. 

Multiple projects are encouraged because repeated messages have been shown to be more 
effective. A 100% floodprone community can receive credit for OPF, but cannot receive OPC 
credit for the same mailing even though it goes to the entire community. If the community 
does two mailings in the same year, it can receive OPC credit for the second mailing. 

Example 331.b-1. A brochure was prepared by a regional drainage and flood 
control district. Floodville mails it to each floodplain resident. The brochure identifies 
the flood hazard by naming the streams, showing their floodplains on a map, and 
noting that they are subject to flash flooding, a hazard that provides little warning. At 
the beginning, the reader is told, You are located in or very near the flood hazard 
area. 

Because the objective of this outreach project is to advise people of the safety threat, 
it does not discuss property protection or permit requirements. This brochure is 
credited for covering five topics: the local flood hazard, local flood hazard map, flood 
warning, flood safety, and flood insurance. 

OPF = 5 x 13 = 65 

c. EITHER: 
1. Additional outreach projects (OPA) (Maximum credit: 60 points) 
OPA = 2 for each topic covered in additional outreach projects, such as a flood 
awareness week or flyers inserted in local newspapers. Credit for a 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-10 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

community website may be received under either this element or under 
Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information), but not both. 
A community can earn a maximum of 20 points each for up to three projects, so 
the total number of points available for OPA is 60. 
OR 
To be considered separate projects, each outreach project must either use different media or 
must involve two-way communication with a different audience. For example, presentations 
to the Chamber of Commerce, a neighborhood association, and a meeting of insurance agents 
are considered three separate projects (e.g., OPA1, OPA2, and OPA3). However, handing out 
the same brochure to the three groups and displaying the brochure in city hall and the library 
are all considered one project. If the information in the brochure was also the subject of a 
cable TV notice, that would be considered a second project. 

A document prepared by a county, state, or regional agency can be credited, provided that 

(1) It is distributed in different public places throughout the community. Simply having 
copies available in one office does not qualify for credit, and 
(2) Where appropriate, it provides local information. For example, to receive credit for 
the local flood hazard, the document must describe the hazard to the same degree as 
would a local document. To receive full credit for drainage system maintenance, the 
document must identify the appropriate office to which dumping should be reported. 
Many communities have flood awareness weeks, disaster awareness months, or similar 
times when several different activities are underway concurrently. These programs can be 
more effective if they are coordinated with similar activities at the state or federal level. 
Outreach project authors and planners should check with their state emergency management 
agency, FEMA, and the National Weather Service to determine when such activities will be 
conducted. 

Example 331.c-1. A flyer advertising a floodproofing open house is posted in 
various public places in Watertown and publicized through news releases. The open 
house includes presentations on flood protection and flood insurance along with 
exhibits set up by local floodproofing contractors. 

Staff members from government agencies, including Watertowns building department, the State NFIP Coordinator, FEMA, the National Flood Insurance Program, 
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers participate and answer technical questions. 
Also present are volunteers from local conservation organizations who pass out 
materials and answer questions about Watertowns parks and bottomland 
hardwoods. 

The floodproofing open house was designed to encourage people to undertake flood 
protection measures. People from many communities are invited, so the program 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-11 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

does not discuss any particular rivers flood problem or have local flood maps. 
Instead, attendees are advised to check with their city engineers offices for flood 
data. The program does not cover flood warning, flood safety, or drainage system 
maintenance. 

Watertown has a complete description of the project and can document that five of 
the 10 topics are covered: flood insurance, property protection, development permit 
requirements, substantial improvement requirements, and the natural and beneficial 
functions of the local floodplain. 

OPA1 = 2 x 5 = 10 

Watertowns City Hall lobby has a rack of handouts, brochures, and other informative 
materials of interest to citizens. The rack includes a supply of the CRS brochures 
(which cover flood insurance) and a handout from the Building Department on why 
and when floodplain permits are needed (permit requirements). 

OPA2 = 2 x 2 = 4 

If Watertown had another outreach project, it would be designated OPA3. 

2. Outreach projects pursuant to a public information program strategy (OPS) 
(Maximum credit: 125 points). This is an alternative to Section 331.c.1 (OPA). 
OPS = the total of the following points: 
(a) 100, for implementing additional outreach projects that are identified in a 
public information program strategy, regardless of the number of 
projects or topics covered. The strategy must reflect a logical thought 
process that reviews the problem, lists what public information 
activities are currently being implemented, sets goals, and 
recommends any new projects that may be needed to reach those 
goals. This credit is dependent on a public information program 
strategy prepared according to the following criteria: 
(1) The community must establish a public information outreach strategy 
team that includes representatives of agencies and organizations active 
in floodplain management and public information. The strategy team 
need not be a formal organization. At a minimum it must consist of three 
people, including: 
((a)) Someone familiar with the communitys floodplain management 
program, and 
((b)) At least one representative from outside the communitys 
government. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-12 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

(2) The outreach strategy team must prepare a written document that 
describes: 
((a)) The local flood hazard, 
((b)) The flood safety and property protection measures appropriate 
for that hazard, 
((c)) The flood-related public information activities currently being 
implemented within the community (including those by non-
government agencies), 
((d)) Goals for the communitys public information program, 
((e)) The outreach projects that will be done each year to reach the 
goals, and 
((f)) The process that will be followed to monitor and evaluate the 
projects. 
(3) The projects must be in addition to any projects credited under Section 
331.a or 331.b. They do not have to cover the same 10 topics, but 
discussion of each topic must describe where to get more information. 
(4) The community must submit documentation that the strategy is being 
implemented by the community. 
(5) The communitys annual recertification must include a copy of an annual 
report evaluating the projects implemented. 
(b) 25, if the strategy meets the above credit criteria and the following additional 
criteria are met: 
(1) The communitys public information program strategy was prepared or 
updated by a strategy team that includes several community 
stakeholders, such as representatives from the public, private 
businesses, and major employers. 
(2) The strategy is a multi-hazard one. The document must include a 
description of all the natural hazards that pose a major threat to the 
community and the safety and property protection measures appropriate 
to those hazards. As with the regular credit for this element, if these 
descriptions are in other documents, they may be attached to the 
strategy. 
(3) The planned outreach projects address the other hazards, in addition to 
the flood hazard. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-13 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

A community that prepares, implements, and monitors its public information strategy would 
receive up to 125 points, regardless of the number of projects or topics covered. It is assumed 
that a properly prepared strategy that reviews the problem, determines how to best reach the 
target audiences, and coordinates with other information programs will produce the best 
outreach projects for that community. 

Therefore, the organization of the outreach strategy team and the preparation of the strategy 
document are most important. Some guidelines on the five parts of the criteria are presented 
below. Additional information, guidance, and examples are found in CRS Credit for Outreach 
Projects (see Appendix E). 

(a) The public information outreach strategy team does not have to be a formal 
organization. It can be as small as three people or it can be a larger group that wants to 
coordinate the public information activities in a metropolitan area. Several 
communities can cooperate or the strategy may be prepared at the county level. In 
such cases, the community would have to have at least one representative on the 
strategy team. 
The outreach strategy team must have at least three members, including: 

(1) Someone familiar with the communitys floodplain management program, such 
as the CRS Coordinator, and 
(2) At least one representative from outside the communitys government. This 
could be someone from the public schools, a neighborhood association, the Red 
Cross, insurance agencies, utilities, or other offices involved in education or 
floodplain management. 
Additional members could include someone familiar with the local emergency 
management program, floodplain residents, or someone from the public 
information office. 

It should be noted that the CRS does not intend that this create an unwarranted burden 
on communities. This team can be very informal and need only meet once or twice a 
year. Existing committees or advisory boards may fulfill the role if they include at 
least the representation noted above to ensure coordination with groups outside the 
city or county government. 

The membership of the team will vary by community. A coastal town dependent on 
tourism should have a motel or restaurant owner involved because explaining flood 
warning and evacuation procedures to tourists would be important. A community with 
one or two major employers may want to include the people responsible for employee 
newsletters. 

The emergency management representative could be from the county office. 
Communities, especially smaller ones, are encouraged to work together or with their 
counties to develop area-wide programs. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-14 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

The strategy may be prepared concurrently with the floodplain management plan 
credited under Activity 510 and the planning committee for each may be the same. 
The strategy document may be part of a floodplain management plan or it may be a 
separate paper. 

(b) The strategy document need not be long. Some of the information, such as the local 
flood hazard and the flood safety and property protection measures appropriate for 
that hazard, may already be written in an existing outreach project or floodplain 
management or emergency management plan. 
The section on the flood-related public information activities currently being 
implemented within the community should include an inventory of what is done by the 
local government, the county emergency management agency, the schools, the state, 
and others concerned about flooding, such as a sanitary district or insurance agents. 
The objective of this requirement is to identify who is already informing the public. 
The strategy should capitalize on what is being done, coordinate messages, and 
develop new projects that fill gaps left by the existing programs. 

Example goals for a public information program strategy include, but are not limited 
to: 

 
Publicize flood safety measures, 
 
Get people to evacuate when a warning is issued, 
 
Advise people on how to protect their property from flood damage, and/or 
 
Encourage the purchase of flood insurance. 
Each community should set its own, locally appropriate goals. If people have been 
killed in past floods, safety measures may be paramount. On a hurricane-prone coast, 
evacuation may be the most important goal. In areas of local drainage and sewer 
backup problems, publicizing self-help protection measures may be the top priority. 

The strategy must establish a monitoring and evaluation process that reviews each 
years projects and makes appropriate changes for the next year. Where possible, each 
project should have measurable outcomes, such as number of inquiries for more 
information, number of retrofitting building permits, or number of flood insurance 
policies in force. 

It is likely that more expensive projects in metropolitan areas would have more 
specific objectives and more sophisticated evaluation procedures. A progress report 
must be submitted with each years CRS recertification. 

(c) The number and type of projects to be undertaken each year would be up to the 
community, based on its goals and the principles of good public information programs. 
If the community receives credit under Sections 331.a and b (OPC and OPF) of this 
activity, it must do additional projects to receive this OPS credit. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-15 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

The projects do not have to be implemented by the community government. They can 
be targeted to the general public or to selected audiences, such as insurance agents and 
contractors, to help them implement their own outreach projects that work toward the 
programs goals. 

The projects do not have to be the same every year. For example, the strategy may 
work with the schools to develop a flood safety curriculum the first year and then 
focus on workshops for insurance agents in later years. 

The discussion of each topic must describe where to get more information. Examples 
of sources of more information could be local staff, the library, another agency, or a 
CRS-credited activity, such as Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance). 

Example 331.c-2. Floodvilles mayor appointed a public information strategy 
team with participation by the CRS Coordinator, the public relations director, and the 
emergency manager. The school district, the park district, the power company and 
the associations for insurance agents, lenders, and real estate offices were invited to 
send representatives. 

The strategy set three goals: 

y 
Make residents aware of the flood warnings and safety precautions, 
y 
Make residents more aware of flood insurance, and 
y 
Familiarize residents with appropriate property protection measures. 

The strategy team selected the following projects: 

y 
Notices sent out with utility company bills about turning off the electricity and 
gas if the house is threatened with flooding, 

y 
An NFIP-sponsored workshop for insurance agents, 

y 
A spring flood awareness week with a radio talk show on flood warnings and 
safety and displays on flood protection measures set up in home 
improvement stores, 

y 
A meeting to be held with the school district curriculum committee to 
develop flood awareness and safety classes for elementary school students, 

y 
A meeting between the building department and the local homebuilders 
association on floodplain permit requirements and property protection 
methods, 

y 
The flood protection flyer credited as an OPC, to be sent out just before the 
flood awareness week, and 

y 
Recommended revisions to the flood control district brochure credited as an 
OPF to include property protection. 

OPS = 100 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-16 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

(d) The community must submit documentation that the strategy is being implemented 
by the community. This can be something as simple as a letter from the CEO 
stating that the strategy will be followed. Formal adoption by a city council is not 
required, although it is recommended that elected officials be involved in the 
preparation or approval of the strategy. 
If a joint strategy is prepared by several communities or at the county level, the 
community must also adopt it locally in order to receive this credit. 

(e) The strategy team must meet at least once a year to evaluate what was done and what, 
if anything, should be changed. The strategy document must specify when and how 
this is done. A written report must be included in the CRS recertification that is due 
October 1 of each year. The evaluation report must cover the following points: 
 
The goals of the communitys Public Information Program Strategy, 
 
A list of the projects implemented to meet those goals and their objectives, 
 
A list of the projects that were not implemented or that did not reach their 
objectives, and 
 
Revisions to the current projects and new projects to be implemented during 
the coming year, if different from the original strategy. 
Communities may use AW-330-3 in lieu of a formal written report (see Figure 330-3). 

d. Promotion of flood insurance (PFI) (Maximum credit: 65 points) 
1. Prerequisites: 
(a) The community must prepare a locally pertinent brochure or letter on the 
benefits of flood insurance. The document must discuss only the flood 
hazard and flood insurance. Coverage of other topics is credited elsewhere 
in the CRS. 
(b) The brochure or letter must be mailed to all businesses and residences in 
the community each year. Reduced credit is provided if the mailing is sent to 
all businesses and residences in the SFHA each year. In either case, the 
brochure or letter must go to each unit in condominiums and apartment 
buildings, as well as to all other buildings in the credited area. There is no 
credit for a project that goes only to properties outside the SFHA or to only 
some of the buildings in the credited area. 
(c) The brochure or letter must be displayed and made available in public 
places such as the city hall and public library. 
(d) As separate documentation (not part of the brochure or letter), the 
community must provide an estimate of: 
The number of buildings in the community, 
The number of apartments and condominium units in the community, 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-17 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

The number of buildings in the SFHA, 
The number of apartments and condominium units in the SFHA, and 
A description of how these numbers were calculated. 
Flood insurance is one more tool available to communities that want to protect their residents 
and businesses from the impacts of flooding. Communities should encourage the purchase of 
flood insurance, just as they work to reduce drainage problems and help property owners 
install flood protection measures. Research has shown that people and businesses that have 
flood insurance recover more quickly and take more actions to protect themselves from future 
flooding. 

Even with lenders requiring the purchase of flood insurance as a condition of a loan, in most 
communities floodplains, less than half of the properties are insured. The percentage of 
floodprone buildings that are insured is even lower in B, C, and X zones even though 25% of 
the flood insurance claims are paid on policies rated as being in these zones. It is a public 
service to encourage residents and businesses to purchase flood insurance so they will be 
better prepared for the next flood. Therefore, this element credits a separate mailing that 
focuses on promoting the purchase of a flood insurance policy. 

Here is more information on the four prerequisites for this credit, (a) through (d). 

(a) This must be a separate mailing, not an article in a newsletter, an additional insert 
with a tax or utility bill, or a mailing that also includes another outreach project for 
CRS credit. It must deal only with the flood hazard and flood insurance in order to (1) 
convey the central message, and (2) facilitate tracking of the effectiveness of this 
approach. 
It should be noted that any outreach project credited under this element cannot 
duplicate credit provided elsewhere, such as in Activity 320 (Map Information 
Service) or Outreach Projects to the Community in this activity. Whichever element 
has the higher points will be credited. 

(b) Unlike an outreach project to the community (OPC), which only needs to be sent to 
each building, credit for this element is dependent on sending the notice to each 
occupant. This includes rental units and condominium units. It is recommended that 
the community ask the local post office how many postal patrons are on each route 
in the community. That would determine how many copies to make. They can be sent 
by bulk mail to the postal patrons, provided the post office confirms that that 
address will reach everyone with a mailbox. This approach will not work if the 
community wants the credit for sending different letters to those in and those out of 
the SFHA. 
(c) The brochure or letter must be displayed and made available in public places such as 
the city hall and public library. An example letter is in Figure 330-2. An example 
brochure for a display can be found in CRS Credit for Outreach Projects. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-18 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

(d) The prerequisite for providing the estimate of the number of buildings, apartments, 
and condominium units in the community and in the SFHA is to help FEMA estimate 
market penetration and will not affect the communitys credit points. The number of 
buildings in the SFHA is the same number as bSF, which is needed for credit for 
Activities 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) and 530 (Flood Protection). These figures 
are also useful when preparing a floodplain management plan (Activity 510). 
2. PFI = the total of the following points: 
(a) 45, for preparing and distributing the brochure or letter. The brochure or 
letter must cover the following topics: 
(1) The communitys flood problem and flood history in the community or 
area, including the dates and impacts of some past floods. 
(2) Flooding is not covered by standard property insurance but that flood 
insurance is available in the community. 
(3) The odds that an area will flood. This item is not needed in a project that 
goes only to properties outside the SFHA. 
(4) That the cost of flood insurance is lower because of the communitys 
efforts and the CRS. 
(5) That coverage can be purchased for residential and commercial 
buildings and that contents coverage can also be purchased by property 
owners and renters for residential and commercial contents. 
(6) There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect in most 
cases. 
(7) The benefits of insurance over disaster assistance. 
(8) That all properties have some flood risk and that there is a low-cost 
policy (Preferred Risk Policy) for those properties in a low- to moderate-
risk area (B, C, and X Zones). This item should not be included in a 
project that goes only to properties in the SFHA. 
(9) A policy can be purchased from an insurance agent, and there is a toll-
free number for the NFIPs agent referral service if someone does not 
have an insurance agent. 
(b) 5, for including one or more photographs of flooding in the community with 
a caption that includes the date and location. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-19 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

(c) 15, for a mailing that includes an explanation of FIRM zones and the zone in 
which the recipients property is located. For this credit, the document 
must clearly state the recipients FIRM zone, not tell readers how to find 
their FIRM zone or refer them to a map information service. 
(d) As an alternative to item (a), 10 points are provided if the mailing is sent only 
to properties in the SFHA. 
Example 331.d-1. Floodville mails the one-page letter shown in Figure 330-2a 
to all improved properties, apartments, and condominium units in the SFHA. The 
letter in Figure 330-2b is sent to all properties outside the SFHA. The letters cover all 
the topics noted in Section 331.d.2(a) (45 points), have two locally pertinent 
photographs of historical flooding (5 points), and tell readers in which FIRM zones 
their properties are located (15 points). 

332 Credit Calculation 

a. c330 = OPC + OPF + OPA + PFI, OR 
b. c330 = OPC + OPF + OPS + PFI 
Example 332-1. Floodvilles scores are based on the four examples discussed 
above. 

c330 = OPC + OPF + OPS + PFI = 36 + 65 + 100 + 65 = 266 

333 Credit Documentation 

The community must submit the following: 

a. Copies of the notices, articles, flyers, and other materials used in the outreach 
projects. Each item must be marked with its appropriate acronym (OPC, OPF, OPA, 
OPS, or PFI) and the topics covered must be designated in the margins. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-20 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

City of Floodville letterhead 

Date 

[address] 

Floodville, ST 
Floodville is a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means that 

you can purchase flood insurance to protect your property against the hazard of flooding. Flooding in 
our city is caused by several sources, including: 

 
Foster Creek, which leaves its banks during heavy storms, snow-
melt or ice jams. In 1992, an ice jam flooded surrounding streets 
within 15 minutes of forming, causing flood damage to buildings in 
the area. 
 
Southeast Ditch and Deadmans Run are smaller streams that flood 
during or soon after heavy storms. In July 1996, these streams 
flooded within an hour after a thunderstorm started and flooded 
many of the homes on Cleveland Street. 
You dont need to live near water to be flooded. Here are some 
facts: 

 
Floods can be caused by heavy storms, melting snow, 
hurricanes, dam or levee failure, or inadequate or overloaded 
drainage systems. 
 
Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property. 
 
Most property insurance policies do not cover damage 
caused by flooding. 
 
Federal disaster assistance requires a Presidential declaration, 
which happens in less than 50% of flooding events. 
 
The most typical form of federal disaster assistance is a loan 
that must be repaid with interest. 
 
The average flood policy with $100,000 in building coverage costs 
$400 a year, vs. a monthly disaster loan payment of $240 for many years on a $50,000 disaster 
loan. 
 
A flood policy will pay covered losses even if a disaster is not declared by the President. 
 
In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period after you purchase a flood policy before 
coverage is in effect, so dont wait until a flood is threatening. 
 
Flood insurance can be purchased on eligible residential and commercial buildings and/or their 
contents, or tenants can purchase contents-only coverage (residential and commercial)
. 
 
Floodville is a participant in the NFIPs Community Rating System (CRS) which means that 
residents and business owners receive a discount on their flood insurance premiums in 
recognition of efforts made by Floodville to reduce the impact of flooding. 
 
Your property at 1256 North 40th Street is located in flood zone A15, which is a high-risk area. 
You have a 26% chance of being flooded during a 30-year mortgage. Compare this to your 4% 
chance of having a fire during that time. Do you have fire insurance? 
Contact your insurance agent for more information about flood insurance or to purchase a flood insurance 
policy. If you dont have an agent, or your agent does not write flood insurance, the NFIP has a toll-free 
number for agent referrals (1-800/CALL FLOOD (1-800/225-5356) or TDD # 1-800-427-5593). You can 
also get more details about flood insurance at http://www.FloodSmart.gov.

 Foster Creek ice jam, 1992. 
Cleveland Street, July 1996 
Figure 330-2a. Example letter promoting flood insurance to SFHA properties. 

NOTE: This example covers all topics listed in Section 331.d.2(a) except the benefits of 
a 
Preferred Risk Policy, which is not available in the SFHA. 


CRS Coordinators Manual 330-21 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

City of Floodville Letterhead 

Date 
[address] 
Floodville, ST 

Floodville is a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means that 
you can purchase flood insurance to protect your property against the hazard of flooding. Flooding in 

our city is caused by several sources, including: 

 
Foster Creek which leaves its banks during heavy storms, snowmelt 
or ice jams. In 1992, an ice jam flooded surrounding streets within 15 
minutes of forming, causing flood damage to buildings in the area. 
 
Southeast Ditch and Deadmans Run are smaller streams which flood 
during or soon after heavy storms. In July 1996, these streams 
flooded within an hour after a thunderstorm started and flooded many 
of the homes on Cleveland Street. 
Here are some facts: 

 
Floods can be caused by heavy storms, melting snow, hurricanes, 
dam or levee failure, or inadequate or overloaded drainage systems. 
 
Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property. 
You dont need to live near water to be flooded. Your property at 
4101 Greenwood Street is located in flood zone C, which is 
a 
low-to-moderate risk area. 


 
Approximately 25% of all flood insurance claims are paid on 
properties rated as being in low- to moderate-risk areas. 
 
Most property insurance policies do not cover damage caused by 
flooding. 
 
Federal disaster assistance requires a Presidential declaration, 
which happens in less than 50% of flooding events. 
 
The most typical form of federal disaster assistance is a loan that must be repaid with interest. 
 
A flood policy will pay covered losses even if a disaster is not declared by the President. 
 
The average flood policy with $100,000 in building coverage costs $400 a year, versus a monthly 
disaster loan payment of $240 for many years on a $50,000 disaster loan. 
 
Your property may be eligible for a reduced cost Preferred Risk Policy for as little as $112 (1- to 
4-family homes), providing peace of mind flood insurance coverage at an affordable price. 
 
In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period after you purchase a flood policy before 
coverage is in effect, so dont wait until a flood is threatening. 
 
Flood insurance can be purchased on eligible residential and commercial buildings and/or their 
contents, or tenants can purchase contents-only coverage (residential and commercial)
. 
 
Floodville is a participant in the NFIPs Community Rating System (CRS) which means that residents 
and business owners receive a discount on their flood insurance premiums in recognition of 
efforts made by Floodville to reduce the impact of flooding. 
Contact your insurance agent for more information about flood insurance or to purchase a flood insurance 
policy. If you dont have an agent, or your agent does not write flood insurance, the NFIP has a toll-free 
number for agent referrals (1-800/CALL FLOOD (1-800/225-5356) or TDD # 1-800-427-5593). You can 
also get more details about flood insurance at http://www.FloodSmart.gov. 

Figure 330-2b. Example letter promoting flood insurance to non-SFHA properties. 

NOTE: This example covers all topics listed in Section 331.d.2(a) except the risk of flooding. 

Foster Creek ice jam, 1992. 
Cleveland Street, July 1996 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-22 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

See Figure 330-1 for an example of how to mark the projects. The flood awareness week 
could be documented with a newspaper article, photographs, or similar record that shows 
when it was held. Meetings can be documented with a copy of the minutes or a memo to the 
file. 

b. [If the community applies for credit for OPS under Section 331.c.2] A copy of the 
public information program strategy document and documentation that it is being 
implemented by the community. 
c. Documentation that shows when the outreach projects are undertaken. 
d. [If the community applies for credit for PFI under Section 331.d] An estimate of: 
 
The number of buildings in the community, 
 
The number of apartments and condominium units in the community, 
 
The number of buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), 
 
The number of apartments and condominium units in the SFHA, and 
 
A description of how these numbers were calculated. 
The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification. 
e. Copies of the communitys outreach projects that were conducted that year. 
f. 
[If the community applies for credit under Section 331.c.2] A copy of the annual 
evaluation of the communitys public information program strategy, either as a 
separate report or on AW-330-3. If a separate report is submitted, it must cover the 
same topics as AW-330-3. 
334 For More Information 

Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource 
Center, http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/. Additional information on promoting flood 
insurance can be found at http://www.FloodSmart.gov. 

a. 
See Appendix E to order a free copy of CRS Credit for Outreach Projects. 
b. 
Some state and local emergency management offices have training courses for public 
information officers. FEMAs Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers basic and 
advanced public information courses. EMI courses are tuition free and travel stipends can 
often be obtained. For more information, contact your state emergency management 
agencys training officer. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 330-23 
Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

c. Flyers and stuffers on flood insurance are available through the National Flood Insurance 
Program. Contact a local insurance agent who sells flood insurance for examples and 
order forms, or obtain them from 
FEMA Distribution Center 
P.O. Box 2010 
Jessup, MD 20794-2012 
1-800-480-2520 
Fax: (301) 362-5335 
d. There are several brochures that explain the CRS. Bulk supplies are available by calling 
(317) 848-2898 or by sending an e-mail request to nfipcrs@iso.com. 
e. The following are available free from FEMA Publications by calling 1-800-480-3520. 
Hurricane Awareness Workbook, FEMA-86, includes references to organizations with 
experience in conducting hurricane awareness campaigns and examples of local 
projects. 
Marketing Earthquake Preparedness, FEMA-112, provides guidance on developing a 
local hazards preparedness campaign. 
Homeowner Floodproofing Behavior is a summary of research findings on post-flood 
public information activities that encouraged people to protect themselves from the 
next flood. 
Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings, FEMA-213, explains 
the requirements of and offers guidelines on the NFIPs substantial damage rules. 
e. For more references on the 10 topics, see Sections 354 and 535. 
f. Open houses are public meetings that combine presentations, publications, and 
discussions with government officials, experienced flood protection contractors, flood 
insurance agents, etc.. How to Conduct a Floodproofing Open House provides step-bystep instructions on this form of outreach project. It is available for $7.00 from the Illinois 
Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management, 153 Nanti, Park Forest, IL 
60466. 
g. The National Disaster Education Coalition has prepared a guide that presents the 
terminology and messages to be used by Coalition members nationwide. The publication, 
Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages, can be found at 
http://www.disastereducation.org/. All content is in the public domain and can be freely 
downloaded and tailored to local needs. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-24 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 


Figure 330-3. Floodvilles evaluation report for its 
outreach project (AW-330-3). 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-25 Edition: 2006 


Outreach Projects 

[This page intentionally blank.] 

CRS Coordinators Manual 330-26 Edition: 2006 


340 HAZARD DISCLOSURE 


Summary of Activity 340 
341 Credit Points. There are four elements in this activity for a maximum of 81 points. 
a. Disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH): 
 46 points are provided if real estate agents notify those interested in purchasing properties located 
in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) about the flood hazard and the flood insurance purchase 
requirement. 
 20 points are provided if there is a state law requiring real estate agents to ensure that potential 
purchasers of properties in the SFHA are notified of the flood hazard. 
b. Other disclosure requirements (ODR): 5 points are provided for each other disclosure method 
required by law. 
c. Real estate agents brochure (REB): 10 points are provided if real estate agents are providing 
brochures or handouts that advise potential buyers to investigate the flood hazard for a property. 
d. Disclosure of other hazards (DOH): 10 points are provided if the notification to prospective buyers 
includes disclosure of other flood-related hazards, such as erosion, subsidence, or wetlands. 
There is no impact adjustment for this activity. 
342 Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are totaled. 
343 Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify 
implementation of this activity. 
a. [If applying for DFH credit under Section 341.a.1] Copies of completed disclosure notices from at 
least five local real estate agencies showing that they are advising potential property purchasers of the 
flood hazard and the flood insurance purchase requirement. 
b. [If applying for DFH credit under Section 341.a.2] A copy of the state law that requires real estate 
agents to ensure that those interested in purchasing properties located in floodplains are notified of 
the hazards. 
c. [If applying for ODR credit under Section 341.b] A copy of the portion of the ordinance or law that 
requires one or more additional disclosure methods at the time of sale or rental of a property. 
d. [If applying for REB credit under Section 341.c] The brochure or other document made 
available by real estate agents. 
e. [If applying for DOH credit under Section 341.d] Documentation that the notice for DFH includes 
disclosure of other flood-related hazards. 
344 For More Information. 
Commentary 340-1 Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

340 HAZARD DISCLOSURE 


Credit is provided if real estate agents advise prospective property purchasers of the 
flood hazard. Other disclosure methods may also be credited. 

Background: Most prospective buyers do not take the time (or know how) to 
investigate whether a property is subject to a hazard. In many cases a property may 
not be near a stream or shoreline, past flooding may have been minor, or there may be 
no history of flooding since the area was developed. As a result, many people are 
caught by surprise when their properties are flooded. One of the best times to advise 
someone of a flood hazard is when he or she is considering the purchase of property. 

Federal regulations enacted pursuant to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (as 
amended by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994) require only that a lender 
advise a person of the flood hazard before closing on the loan. This could be well after the 
buyer has put down earnest money, has lost interest in other properties, and has become 
committed to purchasing the property without knowing all the facts. In many states a buyer 
has recourse under consumer protection laws. 

Activity Description: Credit is provided if a communitys real estate agents advise 
prospective floodplain occupants about the flood hazard and the flood insurance 
purchase requirement. This activity should encourage the purchase of flood insurance 
and implementation of flood protection measures, prevent victimization of unwary 
buyers, and encourage appropriate use of vacant land. 

The objective of this activity is to prevent all the troubles that can arise from failing to advise 
potential purchasers of a flood hazard. Such a program can protect the real estate agents and 
sellers from lawsuits. In many cases, it will prevent unwise development of vacant land. 

341 Credit Points 

Maximum credit for Activity 340: 81 points. 
a. Disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH) (Maximum credit: 46 points) 
DFH = EITHER 
1. 46, if real estate agents notify those interested in purchasing properties located 
in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) about the flood hazard and the 
flood insurance purchase requirement. The notice must clearly state whether 
the property is in the floodplain and, if so, that flood insurance is required. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 340-2 Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

The community must submit examples of the disclosure notices used by 
local real estate agencies. OR 
2. 20, if a state law requires real estate agents to advise people whether a property 
is located in an SFHA. 
Credit for disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH) relies on real estate agents to inform a 
potential purchaser whether a property is in an SFHA. Under the first option (46 points), 
there is no requirement for a statutory or other legal mandate that real estate agents disclose 
the hazard in order to obtain credit for DFH. This credit is based on the documentation that 
real estate agents are disclosing the hazard, not on why they are doing it. 

This activity can be implemented in conjunction with Activity 320 (Map Information 
Service). Real estate agents may request that the community make determinations of 
properties being advertised for sale. However, no credit is provided if prospective buyers are 
sent to the community to find out about a propertys potential flood risk. Credit for DFH is 
entirely based on the real estate agents informing people whether a property is in an SFHA, 
regardless of whether they were asked. A law or policy to disclose hazard information only 
after an inquiry is made does not earn credit. 

Credit for DFH cannot be based on real estate agents using a sellers statement or certificate. 
Even though the sellers have not experienced a flood while they owned the property, the 
information that is required is notification of whether the property is in an SFHA. 

The best way to implement this activity is with a written notification to potential purchasers. 
This provides the purchaser with the correct information and provides documentation for the 
real estate agent and the ISO/CRS Specialist. 

The communitys application must include at least one copy of a disclosure notice from at 
least five real estate agencies that serve the community. If there are fewer than five agencies, 
then at least one notice from each agency must be submitted. The community should check 
with its ISO/CRS Specialist to see if neighboring communities are receiving this credit and 
have already submitted the needed documentation for real estate agencies that serve the area. 

If the notice says a property is in the SFHA, it must also tell the inquirer that federal law 
requires the purchase of flood insurance as a condition of a federally backed mortgage. The 
notice may simply say, Flood Insurance Required, in which case the notation that the 
property is in the SFHA is not needed. A property notice that is difficult for the prospective 
buyer to interpret, such as FP: Y/N, or a general statement on all properties, such as Flood 
insurance may be required, or Flood Zone, is not acceptable. The form must clearly state, 
Flood insurance is required. 

The credit criteria for the second option for DFH credit (20 points) are not as extensive as for 
the first option, provided there is a state law requiring the disclosure. Credit can be provided 
if there is a Multiple Listing Service notice, a sellers disclosure form, or other written 

CRS Coordinators Manual 340-3 Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

notification. However, the disclosure must state whether the property is in a floodplain, not 
whether the seller has experienced a flood. For this 20-point credit, there is no requirement to 
explain the flood insurance purchase requirement. 

Example 341.a-1. The real estate agents of Floodville include a notice of flood 
hazard and whether flood insurance is required on their property summaries. When a 
seller contracts with a real estate agent, the latter requests map information from the 
City. The cost is paid by the real estate agent. The Board of Realtors has provided 
the City with a description of this procedure and a copy of a property summary that 
includes the notice. [DFH = 46] 

NOTE: Credit points are provided under ODR, method 2, for a legal requirement to advise 
potential purchasers about the propertys known flood history. Credit is also available under 
Section 341.c if real estate agents provide a brochure that advises potential property 
purchasers to investigate the flood hazard. 

b. Other disclosure requirements (ODR) (Maximum credit: 15 points) 
ODR = 5, for each other disclosure method required by law. Credit can be 
requested for up to three state or local laws or ordinances that require 
disclosure of a propertys exposure to flooding, including but not limited 
to: 
1. Requiring all sellers to disclose in order to cover those cases where a real 
estate agent is not involved. 
2. Requiring real estate agents and sellers to advise potential purchasers whether 
to the best of their knowledge and belief the property has ever been flooded. 
3. Requiring landlords to advise potential renters about the flood hazard. 
4. Requiring final recorded subdivision plats to display the flood hazard area. 
5. Requiring that the flood hazard area be shown on individual lot surveys 
prepared for deed records, property transactions, or mortgages. 
6. Requiring titles or deed records to show zoning or building permit conditions 
related to floodplain or drainage regulations, such as a notice about the 
substantial improvement or substantial damage requirement for floodplain 
properties. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 340-4 Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

7. Requiring signs posted in subdivisions to advise visitors of the flood hazard. 
8. Requiring deeds to show the lot or building elevation in relation to sea level and 
the base or historical flood elevation. 
9. Requiring a seller to disclose if the property is subject to a flood-related special 
hazard. 
A community may apply for credit under one of these additional approaches, even if it does 
not have a real estate agent notification program. These approaches do not have to be local 
requirements. In many cases, these disclosure methods are required by state law. 

This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. The objective of the ODR credit is to provide 
information to people before they are committed to owning or occupying a property with a 
flood hazard. Because these approaches do not affect as many people while they are actually 
looking for a property (as agent disclosure does), fewer credit points are provided. 
Furthermore, because they are difficult to verify in the field, these approaches must be based 
on a law or other explicit legal mandate. 

Example 341.b-1. Floodville is seeking credit for two other disclosure 
requirements. One is based on a state law that requires that before they are 
recorded, all subdivision plats are to include an engineers or surveyors statement 
as to which lots, if any, are partially or completely located in an area of special flood 
hazard identified pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. [5 points] 

Floodvilles zoning and building codes require that property records show all special 
requirements that have been imposed as a condition of building in a floodplain: A 
record of each variance, special use permit, and conditional use permit, and all 
conditions and stipulations attached thereto, shall be provided to the County 
Recorder of Deeds to be filed with the record of the property. [5 points] 

The citys application includes a photocopy of these two quoted legal requirements: 
ODR = 10. 

Requirements for identifying the floodplain or flood elevations on preliminary plats or permit 
applications are not disclosure requirements and are not credited. ODR credit is based on a 
legal requirement to disclose the flood hazard on a record or notice that will be seen by 
potential purchasers or occupants of a property. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 340-5 Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

c. Real estate agents brochure (REB) (Maximum credit: 10 points) 
REB = 10, if real estate agents are providing brochures or handouts that advise 
potential buyers to investigate the flood hazard for a property. This credit is 
available even if the community does not receive credit for Disclosure of the Flood 
Hazard under Section 341.a. 

An example of such a brochure is shown in Figure 340-1. A locally tailored brochure 
describing the communitys flood hazard would be very useful. Sellers, in particular, may 
appreciate as complete a description as possible, especially if the flooding is shallow and 
slow-moving and retrofitting or other protective measures are appropriate and inexpensive. 
Purchasers of vacant land should be well aware of factors such as the depth, velocity, and 
warning time of the base flood. 

Example 341.c-1. Floodville has given each real estate office several hundred 
copies of the brochure shown in Figure 340-1. The real estate agents give one to 
every client, including those looking at properties outside the floodplain: REB = 10. 

d. Disclosure of other hazards (DOH) (Maximum credit: 10 points) 
DOH = 10, if the notification to prospective buyers credited in Section 341.a 
includes disclosure of other flood-related hazards, such as erosion, subsidence, or 
wetlands. This credit is available only if the communityalso receives credit for DFH. 

Disclosure programs should not be limited to flood hazards. Potential property purchasers 
should be advised of other hazards that have been identified for specific sites. Erosion, 
subsidence, and wetlands are the site-specific hazards mentioned above. Others include dam 
failure, volcanoes, landslides, and wildfire, as well as tsunamis and the other special hazards 
listed in Section 401. Disclosing one hazard should trigger interest in others, so a broader-
based program will be more effective. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 340-6 Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

Flood Hazard: Check Before You Buy 

Flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from a river, lake, or ocean. If youre 
looking at a property, its a good idea to check out the possible flood hazard before you buy. Heres why: 

 
The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building. 
 Slow-moving floodwaters can knock people off their feet or float a car. 

 Even standing water can float a building, collapse basement walls, or buckle a concrete floor. 

 Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, clothing, upholstered furniture, and mattresses, may have 
to be thrown away after a flood. 

 Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original condition. 

 Floodwaters are not clean: floods carry mud, farm chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances 
that cause health hazards. 

 The impact of a floodcleaning up, making repairs, and the personal lossescan cause great stress 
to you, your family, and your finances. 

Floodplain Regulations: Your community regulates construction and development in the floodplain to 
ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage. Filling and similar projects are prohibited in 
certain areas. Houses substantially damaged by fire, flood, or any other cause must be elevated to or above 
the flood level when they are repaired. 

Check for the Flood Hazard: Before you commit yourself to buying property, do the following: 

 
Ask the local building, zoning, or engineering department if the property is in a floodplain; if it has 
ever been flooded; what the flood depth, velocity, and warning time are; if it is subject to any other 
hazards; and what building or zoning regulations are in effect. 
 
Ask the real estate agent if the property is in a floodplain, if it has ever been flooded, and if it is 
subject to any other hazards, such as sewer backup or subsidence. 
 
Ask the seller and the neighbors if the property is in a floodplain, how long they have lived there, if 
the property has ever been flooded, and if it is subject to any other hazards. 
Flood Protection: A building can be protected from most flood hazards, sometimes at a relatively low cost. 
New buildings and additions can be elevated above flood levels. Existing buildings can be protected from 
shallow floodwaters by regrading, berms, or floodwalls. There are other retrofitting techniques that can 
protect a building from surface or subsurface water. 

Flood Insurance: Homeowners insurance usually does not include coverage for a flood. One of the best 
protection measures for a building with a flood problem is National Flood Insurance, which is purchased 
through any property insurance agent. If the building is located in a floodplain, flood insurance will be 
required by most mortgage lenders (see other side). Ask an insurance agent how much a flood insurance 
policy would cost. 

[NOTE: The other side of this flyer is the same as Figure 320-2.] 

Figure 340-1. Sample real estate agents brochure. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 340-
7 
Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

342 Credit Calculation 

c340 = DFH + ODR + REB + DOH 

Example 342-1. Floodville does not have maps or disclosure practices on other 
flood-related hazards (DOH = 0). 

c340 = 46 + 10 + 10 + 0 = 66 

Floodvilles activity worksheet is completed using these values for the variables. 

343 Credit Documentation 

The community must submit the following: 

a. [If the community is applying for DFH credit] Documentation that demonstrates that 
real estate agents are advising potential property purchasers of the flood hazard 
and the flood insurance purchase requirement. 
If the community is applying for DFH credit for the first option (46 points), the application 
must include copies of disclosure notices from at least five real estate agencies. If there are 
fewer than five agencies that serve the community, then at least one notice from each agency 
is submitted. 

This documentation could be copies of the notations on property summary sheets, offer-topurchase 
forms, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) forms or other media. Sellers disclosure 
forms may be sufficient if they clearly state that the property is or is not in the SFHA. 
Statements that to the best of the sellers knowledge and statements as to whether the 
property has flooded are not creditable. However, such forms may be eligible for credit under 
Section 341.b, ODR. Statements that advise the seller to determine if the property is 
floodprone are not creditable, although such forms may be eligible for credit under Section 
341.c, REB. 

Blank forms are not acceptable documentation. Copies of actual information shown to 
prospective buyers are required. Names and addresses may be blacked out to preserve 
confidentiality. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 340-8 Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

The most common approach is to have a box in the MLS form. In this case, a photocopy of a 
completed MLS form must be submitted as documentation, along with a statement that all or 
most of the local agencies use the MLS form. 

b. [Required only if the community is applying for ODR credit] A copy of ordinance or 
law language requiring one or more additional disclosure methods at the time of 
sale or rental of a property. The acronym ODR must be marked in the margin of 
the sections that pertain to this element. 
This documentation need only be submitted if the community is requesting credit for one of 
the other disclosure requirements discussed in Section 341.b. A photocopy of the appropriate 
pages of the ordinance or statute is sufficient and should be attached to the activity 
worksheet. The Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) application certification is considered to 
include a certification that the ordinance or statute has been enacted into law and is being 
enforced. 

c. [Required only if the community is applying for REB credit] A brochure or other 
document that is made available to interested parties by real estate agents. The 
document must advise people looking to purchase property to investigate the flood 
hazard before they buy. 
See Figure 340-1 for ideas on what should be included in a brochure. 

d. [Required only if the community is applying for DOH credit] Documentation that the 
notification in Section 341.a includes disclosure of other flood-related hazards, such 
as erosion, subsidence, or wetlands. 
Maps that disclose information about other flood-related hazards to prospective purchasers 
are encouraged. In some states, coastal erosion or recession maps have been prepared. Some 
communities have mapped areas subject to land subsidence and are regulating new 
construction in those areas. Others have mapped and zoned wetlands or other sensitive areas. 
This activity gives credit for including these hazards on the same form or notice that is 
credited under DFH. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 340-9 Edition: 2006 


Hazard Disclosure 

344 For More Information 

Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource 
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/. 

a. 
Copies of the following booklets are available free in quantity. See the FEMA Order Form 
at the end of Appendix E. 
Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA-387, 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, August 2001. This is also available from 
FEMAs website at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/qanda.htm. 

How to Use a Flood Map to Protect Your Property, FEMA-258, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, May 1995. 

Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines, FEMA-186, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, September 1999. This booklet discusses the legal background of 
the flood insurance purchase requirement from the lenders perspective. It is also 
available from FEMAs website at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/mpurfi.htm. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 340-10 
Edition: 2006 


350 FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION 


Summary of Activity 350 
351 Credit Points. There are three elements in this activity for a maximum of 102 points. 
a. Flood protection library (LIB): 25 points are provided if the local public library contains at least one 
document from these topics and the documents are entered into the librarys card catalog or similar 
system that allows patrons to find publications related to flooding and flood protection. 
b. Locally pertinent documents (LPD): Up to 5 points are provided for having documents keyed to local 
or state conditions. 
c. Flood protection website (WEB): Up to 72 points are provided for including flood protection 
information or links to such information on the communitys website. 
There is no impact adjustment for this activity. 
352 Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are totaled. 
353 Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify 
implementation of this activity. 
a. [Required only if the community is applying for LIB or LPD credit] A statement from the head of the 
library that includes: 
1. A list, with publication dates, of the flood-related documents in the library; 
2. Either: 
(a) Certification that the documents have been entered into the librarys card catalog or similar 
system; OR 
(b) A copy of the card catalog cards or printout of the automated systems inventory of flood 
documents; and 
3. Certification that the library will maintain adequate numbers of the listed documents to meet the 
demand and that the FIRMs and other materials will be kept up to date. 
b. [Required only if the community is applying for WEB credit] The address of the communitys 
website. 
The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification: 
c. [Required only if the community is applying for WEB credit] Certification that it has conducted its 
annual review and update of the information and links on its flood protection website. 
354 For More Information. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 350-1 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

350 FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION 


Credit is provided if the local library maintains documents about flood insurance, flood 
protection, floodplain management, and natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. 
Additional credit is provided if similar information is available on the communitys 
website. 

Background: The community library is an obvious place for residents to seek 
information on flooding and flood protection. A website is another place that people 
often look. Both locations can contain a great deal of information and both offer 
alternatives for people who are hesitant to go to City Hall or talk to a local official. 

Activity Description: To receive credit under the first element, the publications must 
be kept and distributed by the public library. The publications do not need to be kept in 
each library building if there are several branches to a local library system. No credit is 
provided for documents kept in an office that is not a local public library. 

To receive credit for the website, the information must be clearly identified on the sites 
home page. It must be in or accessible from the communitys website. 

In both cases, the material must be kept up to date. 

The objective of this activity is to ensure that there is a sufficient number of references on 
floodplain management and flood insurance available for interested parties. Rather than 
stipulate what a sufficient number is, this activity specifies that the documents be kept by a 
public library or on a local website. It is up to the library to maintain an adequate number to 
meet the demand. 

Libraries can also provide immediate access to additional references through interlibrary loan 
systems. Websites can provide direct links to additional information. 

A secondary objective of this activity is to involve the public library in the communitys 
flood concerns. Libraries are usually the first place people turn to when they want to research 
a topic. Libraries also have their own public information campaigns with displays, lectures, 
and other projects, which can augment the activities of the municipal or county government. 
Lately, more and more people are turning to the internet. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-2 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

351 Credit Points 

Maximum credit for Activity 350: 102 points. 

a. Flood protection library (LIB) (Maximum credit: 25 points) 
LIB = the total of the following points based on whether the library contains 
documents about these topics and the documents are entered into the librarys card 
catalog or similar system that allows patrons to find publications related to flooding 
and flood protection: 

1. 
4, for a copy of the communitys current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and 
the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map and an explanation of their use; 
2. 2, for documents on flood insurance; 
3. 8, for documents on protecting a building; 
4. 
3, for documents on community floodplain management or flood hazard 
mitigation; 
5. 
3, 
for documents on the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains; 
6. 
3, for an up-to-date directory of addresses and telephone numbers of local 
offices that can provide more information on the above topics; and 
7. 2, for documents on the special hazards that affect the community. 
For the purposes of Community Rating System (CRS) credit, the library means the public 
library most accessible and most widely used by residents of the community. In a community 
with branch libraries, the publications and other documents must be available to all branches, 
although it is not necessary for each branch to maintain a full set. If a small community does 
not have a library, but an adjacent large community does, the small community may receive 
credit for this activity, because its residents will presumably use the library in the adjacent 
community. 

Although only one document for each topic is required, it is expected that the library will 
have more than one title on each topic, especially on protecting a building. It is assumed that 
the library will order additional copies and additional titles in accordance with the demand. 

The documents must be entered into the librarys card catalog or similar system that allows 
patrons to find publications related to flooding and flood protection. Some libraries place 
these documents in a reference library that contains uncataloged items. In such cases, the card 
catalog still needs an entry under flood, which could read, See Reference Librarian for 
materials on flooding and flood protection. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-
3 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

The directory of addresses and telephone numbers must be of local or nearby offices that are 
willing to provide more information. These could include the local building department or 
engineer, the State National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator, the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers District Flood Plain Management Services Office, or private 
conservation and environmental groups. Credit is not provided if only state and national 
offices are listed. 

Two points are provided for documents on the special hazards and coastal hazards that affect 
the community. These hazards are discussed in Section 401. They include flood-related 
hazards, such as closed basin lakes, mudflows, and coastal erosion. There are separate 
publications on CRS credit for these hazards (see Appendix E) that would suffice for this 
credit. Those publications list additional references that would also be useful for the libraries 
of communities subject to the hazards. 

If the community is subject to hazards in addition to flooding, the library should provide 
materials on them, too. There are many ways in which protection from one hazard provides 
protection or reinforces protection measures for other hazards. For example, a resident may 
purchase a NOAA Weather Radio because he or she is in an area subject to tornadoes, but 
also be able to receive warnings of flash flooding conditions. The more residents and 
businesses know about the hazards and the measures, the better prepared they will be for 
flooding. 

Example 351.a-1. The head of Floodvilles library has obtained and cataloged 
one copy of the FIRM, Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, FEMAs booklet on 
FIRMs (FEMA-258), and several documents on flood insurance, protectingabuilding 
from flooding, and community flood hazard mitigation. A local organization, The 
Friends of Foster Creek, provided a study on the bottomland hardwoods of the 
Foster Creek floodplain. A directory of sources of additional information was not 
prepared, nor is there a mention of the ice jams that affect Floodville. The activity 
worksheet reflects this: 

LIB = 4 + 2 + 8 + 3 + 3 + 0 + 0 = 20. 

The librarian has listed all the documents obtained along with some already in the 
library. The list is attached to a letter certifying that the library has entered all of the 
documents into the librarys card catalog and it will maintain adequate numbers of 
the listed documents to meet the demand. 

b. Locally pertinent documents (LPD) (Maximum credit: 5 points) 
LPD = 1, for each document that is keyed to local conditions or conditions in the 
state. The maximum value for LPD is 5. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-4 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

Section 331 discusses the benefits of locally pertinent documents. Many communities have 
published their own guidebooks for their residents, particularly on how to protect a building 
from flood damage. Many State NFIP Coordinators have prepared manuals or booklets on 
flood insurance and how to read flood insurance maps. Other locally pertinent documents 
include the communitys flood insurance study text, flood control or hazard mitigation plans, 
after-action reports evaluating responses to past floods, and regional flood control or 
floodplain management plans. 

Example 351.b-1. One of the Floodville Librarys books is the regional planning 
commissions report on flooding and floodplain management recommendations. The 
library also includes the states book on protecting a home from flooding and the 
report on the Foster Creek bottomland hardwoods: 

LPD = 3. 

c. Flood protection website (WEB) (Maximum credit: 72 points) 
1. Prerequisites. The website must meet the following criteria: 
(a) The communitys website must be easy to locate by a commonly used 
search engine. If searching for the communitys name will not get the user to 
the communitys website, then the address must be publicized through an 
outreach project that reaches at least 90% of the community. 
(b) The link to the flood protection information must be clearly noted on the 
home page of the communitys website OR 
(1) The communitys home page must have a search engine that directs the 
user to the flood protection information; OR 
(2) The flood protection information must be easily found using a widely 
used search engine by entering the community name and the word 
flood, floodplain, or stormwater. 
(c) Information may be provided via links to other websites, provided they are 
pertinent to the communitys flood conditions. 
(d) The site must include at least one link to relevant pages of the Department 
of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management agency (FEMA) 
website (http://www.FEMA.gov). 
(e) The site must be reviewed and updated at least once each year. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 350-5 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

The internet is a powerful tool for providing information to those who are seeking it. A well 
designed and maintained website can supplement other methods of providing public 
information in a community. Some types of information, such as detailed maps, current 
information on flooding and emergency response, and links to any amount of additional 
information the user needs cannot be effectively provided in other ways. 

The first two prerequisites address two issues: 

1. 
People who are looking for flood information in a community should be able to find it 
easily, and 
2. 
People who are looking at the communitys website should be reminded that there are 
flood hazards and that they should look at your flood-related pages. 
The first prerequisite ensures that an internet user can find the communitys website. 
Normally this is done by entering the communitys name in the address line or in a search 
engine. Widely used search engines such as AltaVista, AOL, Google, and others must be able 
to find the website using the communitys name. Including the communitys name and terms 
like flood protection in the web page title and/or as keywords for the web page (which are 
hidden from the user) will accomplish this. If that will not work (e.g., when the site is 
administered by a university, county, or flood control district), then the community must 
publicize the sites address. 

That publicity must be carried out through an outreach project that reaches at least 90% of the 
community. The publicity may be a part of an Outreach Project to the Community (OPC), 
credited under Activity 330. It does not have to be submitted for OPC credit. For example the 
sites address could be publicized in utility bills that reach all utility customers (For flood 
protection information, see the Metropolitan Sewer Districts website at http://www. 
FloodHelp.org). In this case, there is not enough information to qualify for OPC credit, but 
the publicity prerequisite would be met. 

The third and fourth prerequisites are intended to encourage communities to find specific 
information of use to their residents and link them to it. The sites home page must include a 
connection to the flood protection information. Examples of home page listings are flood 
protection, hurricane protection, flood information, stormwater, floods and other 
hazards, etc. Other phrases may be used if they are commonly used local terms for flooding 
and related hazards. 

A list of department names will not qualify, but a search feature on the home page that links 
flood or a similar term to the information would qualify, provided that the links go directly 
to sites with information on the credited topics. The linked sites must be in a format to 
provide readily useful flood protection information to the residents of the community. Links 
to a variety of other pages that happen to have the word flood in them are not credited. 

The flood protection website may include links to other sites operated by the state; the 
regional flood, water resources, or sewer district; universities; and others with information 
related to the credited topics. However, the other sites must have information pertinent to the 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-
6 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

communitys flood conditions (e.g., a riverine community should not refer users to a coastal 
website). 

The mandatory connection to FEMAs website ensures that the latest information on the 
National Flood Insurance Program and other FEMA programs will be provided. The link(s) 
must be to relevant pages. For example, the communitys discussion of flood insurance could 

end with  Click here for more information on flood insurance costs and coverage. Clicking 
the box would link to http://www.fema.gov/nfip/whonfip.shtm. 

The fifth prerequisite (annual updates) should be no problem for a good community website; 
most websites are updated at least monthly. 

NOTE: If the communitys website does not meet these prerequisites, it may still qualify for 
credit as an additional outreach project under Section 331.c in Activity 330 (Outreach 
Projects). Credit is not provided under both of these activities, however. 

2. 
Credit points. WEB = the total of the following points. (Maximum credit: 72 
points). 
(a) 40, for covering each of the 10 outreach project topics to at least the same 
level of detail as described in Section 331 (Outreach Projects) (up to four 
points per topic). 
(b) 2, for publicizing the fact that copies of elevation certificates can be obtained 
from the appropriate community office. 
(c) 10, for providing real time river gage data for sites that affect the community. 
If a local gage stage datum is used, the gage data must relate to mean sea 
level, NGVD, or a local landmark. (e.g., two feet over the Route 30 bridge). 
This credit is dependent on the websites covering the flood safety topic. 
(d) 20, for other flood warning information (evacuation routes, etc.) if the 
community receives credit for dissemination of flood warning information to 
the public under Activity 610 (Section 611.b). 
There are 10 topics credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). At the beginning of that 
activity is a discussion of what should be included to receive full credit for covering each 
topic. The website must fully cover a topic at the same level of detail as required for Activity 
330 (Outreach Projects) to receive the full 4 points for that topic. Examples are included in 
Figure 330-1. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-
7 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

More information can be provided by having a link to another site (e.g., For more 
information on flood insurance, see http://www.fema.gov/nfip/infocon). If the communitys 
website covers a topic through a link to another site, the following criteria must be met: 

. 
The link must be preceded with a locally relevant introductory paragraph; 
. 
If the topic must be locally relevant (e.g., how to obtain a local permit or local 
natural and beneficial floodplain functions), the linked website must address 
local conditions; and 
. 
The linked address must go directly to the relevant topic (e.g., the flood 
insurance link above goes directly to the page on the NFIP, not just to the home 
page of FEMAs website at http://www.fema.gov). 
Example 351.c-1. On the home page of Floodvilles website is an entry called 
Flood Protection. This links to a page that notes that the City has a flood problem 
but that many things are being done about it. It stresses that residents can do things 
to protect themselves. The following links are provided: 

. 
Our flood hazard, a description of the flood hazard (4 points) taken from 
the outreach projects the City prepared for Activity 330. This page includes 
some color photos of recent floods in the City. 
. 
Flood safety tips (4 points), also taken from the outreach projects. 
. 
Permit requirements, a summary of the Citys floodplain development 
permit requirements (4 points) with links to the Building Departments page, 
which has permit application forms and other information on getting permits, 
and to the municipal codes floodplain management ordinance. 
. 
Drainage maintenance covers the benefits of drainage system 
maintenance and City regulations related to drainage and has a link to the 
municipal codes section on stream dumping (4 points). 
. 
Protecting your home, a summary of relevant property protection measures 
with links to FEMAs Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect 
Your House from Flooding, Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone 
House, and Repairing Your Flooded Home (4 points). 
. 
Flood insurance is a link to FEMAs web page that explains the basics of 
flood insurance (4 points). 
. 
A note that copies of elevation certificates can be obtained from the Building 
Department (2 points). 
WEB = 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 = 26 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-
8 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

352 Credit Calculation 

c350 = LIB + LPD + WEB 

Example 352-1. As noted above, LIB = 20, LPD = 3, and WEB = 26. 
c350 = 20 + 3 + 26 = 49 

353 Credit Documentation 

The community must submit the following: 

a. [Required only if the community is applying for LIB or LPD credit] A statement from 
the head of the library that includes the following items: 
1. 
A list of the documents available in the library, with their publication dates. 
2. 
Either: 
(a) A certification that the documents listed have been entered into the librarys 
card catalog or similar system that allows patrons to find publications related 
to flooding and flood protection, or 
(b) A copy of the card catalog cards or printout of the automated systems 
inventory of documents listed under flood or related topics. 
3. 
A certification that the library will maintain adequate numbers of the listed documents to meet the demand and that the FIRM and other materials will be kept 
up to date. 
A letter signed by the appropriate official responsible for administration of the library or 
library system is sufficient. If the communitys library is a system with multiple libraries, the 
CRS Coordinator should include a brief description of the system. If the community has no 
library and is applying for credit for a library in an adjacent town or a county library system, 
this documentation must be obtained from the librarian responsible for the system. 

A list of documents meeting the intent of this activity is found in Section 354. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-
9 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

b. [Required only if the community is applying for WEB credit] The address of the 
communitys website. 
The communitys website credit (WEB) is verified by a review of the website itself. Credit 
will be denied if the prerequisites are not met or if the topics are not adequately covered. 

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification. 

c. [Required only if the community is applying for WEB credit] 
Certification that it has 
conducted its annual review and update of the information and links in its flood 
protection website. 
354 For More Information 

Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource 
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/. 

a. 
Unless otherwise noted, the following documents are available free. See the FEMA Order 
Form at the end of Appendix E. 
1. 
A copy of the FIRM and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map and an explanation of 
their use: 
The communitys CRS Coordinator should provide the library with a copy of the 
FIRM and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map. Additional copies can be ordered by 
calling 1-800-358-9616 or faxing a request to 1-800-358-9620. The toll-free map 
distribution center is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EST, Monday through 
Friday. Maps are provided to local government officials at no charge. 

An explanation of the use of flood insurance maps can be found in How to Use a 
Flood Map to Protect Your Property, FEMA-258, May 1995. 

2. 
Documents and websites on flood insurance: 
Although flyers, stuffers, and similar brief reviews of flood insurance are 
appropriate for an outreach project, they are not adequate for credit under Activity 
350 (Flood Protection Information). 

Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA 387, 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, August 2001. 
http://www.fema.gov/nfip/qanda.shtm. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-10 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

Flood Insurance Frequently Asked Questions and the NFIP Answer Desk are at 
http://faq.fema.gov/cgi-bin/fema.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php. 

Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines, FEMA-186, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, 1999. http://www.fema.gov/nfip/mpurfi.shtm. 

Repairing Your Flooded Home, FEMA-234, 1992. This handbook is like several 
other books that cover flood insurance as part of giving a property owner 
information on all methods of flood protection. These types of documents can be 
credited provided that there is sufficient coverage of insurance and that they are 
appropriately cataloged so they can be found by someone interested in flood 
insurance. 

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/lib234.shtm 

There are several brochures that explain the CRS. Bulk supplies are available by 
calling (317) 848-2898 or emailing nfipcrs@iso.com. 

3. Documents on protecting a building: 
Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347, 2000. 

http://www.fema.gov/libarar/fema347.htm 

Avoiding Flood Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners 

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/hazards/flddam.pdf. 

Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from 
Flooding. FEMA-312, 1998. 

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/rfit.shtm 

Repairing Your Flooded Home, FEMA-234, 1992. 

Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54, March 1984. 

Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-55, Third Edition, 2000. 

Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas, FEMA-85, September 
1985. 

Floodproofing Nonresidential Structures, FEMA-102, May 1986. 

Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Structures, FEMA-114, 
September 1986. 

Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood Prone Residential 
Buildings, FEMA-259, 1995. 

Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal 
Areas, FEMA-257, October 1994. 

Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-348, 2000. 

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/pbuffd.shtm 

CRS Coordinators Manual 350-11 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

Reducing Flood Losses through the International Code Series, FEMA, 2000. 

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/fldlossesb.shtm 

There are three video tapes in FEMAs Best Build series: 

Best Build: Constructing a Sound Coastal Home 
Best Build 2: Construction in a Riverine Floodplain 
Best Build 3: Protecting a Flood-prone Home 

These Corps floodproofing publications can be found on the following website: 

 http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/nfpc/publications.html 

Hard copies can be ordered from: 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District 
Flood Plain Management Services 
1645 South 101st East Avenue 
Tulsa, OK 74128 
(918) 669-7197 fax: (918) 669-7546 
carolyn.schultz@usace.army.mil 
Flood Proofing Systems & Techniques, December 1984. (Out of print and available 
only via the website.
) 
Flood-Proofing Regulations, EP 1165 3 314, 1992. 
Flood Proofing PerformanceSuccesses & Failures, 1998. 
Flood Proofing Techniques, Programs and References, January 1996. 
Raising and Moving The Slab-On-Grade House, 1990. 
A Flood Proofing Success Story, September 1993. 
Flood Proofing: How to Evaluate Your Options, July 1993. 
Flood Proofing Technology in the Tug Fork Valley, April 1994. 
Local Flood Proofing Programs, June 1994 


4. 
Documents on community floodplain management or flood hazard mitigation: 
Design Guidelines for Flood Damage Reduction, FEMA-15, December 1981. 
A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management, FEMA-248, May 1994. 
Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard AreasA Guidebook for Local 
Officials, FEMA-116, February 1987. 
Floodplain Management in the United States: An Assessment Report, Summary
Report, FIA-17, June 1992. 


CRS Coordinators Manual 350-12 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

5. 
Documents on the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains: 
Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268, September 1995. 

A variety of posters and citizen information materials on watershed protection are 
being prepared by the Terrene Institute for the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agencys Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. Get the latest list from the 
Terrene Institute at (703) 548-5473. 

USEPA Wetlands Fact Sheets and other types of assistance can be obtained by 
calling the USEPA Wetlands Information Hotline at 1-800-832-7828. 

6. 
The directory of addresses of local offices that can provide more information should 
include names, addresses, and telephone numbers. All agencies listed should be 
contacted to ensure that they have the ability and are willing to provide more 
information. The agencies listed below should be checked. 
(a) More information about the FIRM and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map: The 
communitys engineer, planner or building official, the State NFIP Coordinator, 
and the FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A). 
(b) More information about flood insurance: Local insurance agencies and the state 
insurance department or NFIP Coordinator. 
(c) More information on protecting a building: 
Whatever agencies are providing 
information under Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance). If the community is 
not applying for credit under Activity 360, it should check on the services 
provided by the city engineer, building inspector, State NFIP Coordinator, Corps 
of Engineers District Floodplain Management Services Office, and Natural 
Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist. 
(d) More information on community floodplain management: 
Local or regional 
planning offices, State NFIP Coordinator, FEMA Regional Office, and Corps of 
Engineers District Floodplain Management Services Office. 
(e) More information and publications on natural and beneficial functions: 
State and 
federal agencies for environmental protection, conservation, fish and wildlife 
management, parks, and recreation. Regional planning agencies and local chapters 
of environmental and conservation organizations like American Rivers, the Izaak 
Walton League, and the Sierra Club, may also be able to provide information and 
materials for the library. To obtain CRS credit, references on natural and 
beneficial functions must be cataloged so that someone looking for information on 
floodplains will find them. 
(f) Additional information about the National Flood Insurance Program and other 
FEMA programs can be accessed on the website at http://www.fema.gov or by 
calling FEMA FAX at (202) 646-FEMA. FEMA FAX is a 24-hour service with a 
CRS Coordinators Manual 350-13 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Information 

voice mail menu that leads the caller through a series of choices and sends a 
facsimile response to the inquiry. 

b. 
Additional documents should be available from state, regional, local, and private sources. 
c. 
Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources 
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water 
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat. 
d. 
A tutorial on designing and operating a municipal floodplain management website is 
available at no charge from the CRS. It is on a CD for IBM-compatible personal 
computers. Copies are available by calling (317) 848-2898 or e-mailing nfipcrs@iso.com. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 350-14 
Edition: 2006 


360 FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE 


Summary of Activity 360 
361 Credit Points. There is one element in this activity for a maximum of 71 points. 
Flood protection assistance (FPA): Up to 71 points are provided based on the type of technical 
assistance that is provided. 
a. 10 points for providing site-specific flood and flood-related data, such as floor elevations, data 
on historical flooding in the neighborhood, or similar information so inquirers can relate the 
flood threat to their properties. 
b. 4 points for providing names of contractors and consultants knowledgeable or experienced in 
retrofitting techniques and construction. 
c. 3 points for providing material on how to select a qualified contractor and on what recourse 
people have if they are dissatisfied with a contractors performance. 
d. 35 points for making site visits to review flooding, drainage, and sewer problems and providing 
one-on-one advice to the property owner. 
e. 14 points for providing advice and assistance on the retrofitting techniques discussed in Activity 
530 (Flood Protection). 
f. 5 points if the person providing the advice and assistance on retrofitting techniques has 
graduated from the Emergency Management Institute course on retrofitting. 
There is no impact adjustment for this activity. 
362 Credit Calculation. The credit points for FPA are totaled. 
363 Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify 
implementation of this activity. 
a. A copy of the document the community used to publicize the service. 
b. A description of the technical qualifications of the persons providing the assistance. 
c. If the person is not a community employee, a copy of a letter stating that the person and/or 
agency has agreed to do the work. 
d. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 361.b or c] A list of the 
names of contractors or consultants and/or a copy of the material the community provides on 
how to select a contractor. 
e. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 361.d or e] Records noting 
the date and person assisted and the type of assistance provided. 
364 For More Information. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 360-1 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Assistance 

360 FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE 


Credit is provided if a community provides technical advice to interested property 
owners and publicizes the services available. 

Background: Floodplain residents are more likelyto undertake activities to reduce the 
flood hazard to their property if reliable information is available locally. These activities 
include correcting local drainage problems, retrofittingexistingstructures, andsitingand 
building new structures. 

Activity Description: Under this activity, a qualified person must be willing and able to 
provide information on the flood hazard, on contractors, and on flood protection 
measures to inquirers. The availability of this service must be publicized at least 
annually. 

The other activities in this series advise people to learn more about flood insurance and flood 
protection. The most effective public information program is direct, face-to-face 
communication with an expert. The best source of information on flood insurance is a flood 
insurance agent. This activity is designed to credit the best source of information about 
protecting a building from flood damage. 

The objective of this activity is to provide interested property owners with general 
information that responds to their needs. Providing construction plans or specifications that 
should be prepared by an architect or engineer is not necessary. It is expected that the person 
providing the assistance will discuss the inquirers situation and help them come to the appropriate solution. 

The best assistance office is one that is staffed with knowledgeable and interested people. 
Quoting directly from books or repeating formulae are not generally effective forms of assistance. The advisors must be confident and willing to help floodplain residents. Therefore, a 
community should limit the assistance it provides to those topics that it is ready and willing 
to cover. 

The assistance office could be the city engineer, building inspector, State National Flood 
Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Floodplain 
Management Services office, Natural Resources Conservation Service District 
Conservationist, etc. It need not be local staff if other agencies have agreed to answer 
inquiries. Assistance can be provided by a combination of offices to secure a range of expertise. 

NOTE: This activity does not give credit for floodplain ordinance enforcement activities 
normally conducted by a building department, such as making site visits and/or reviewing 
plans to ensure that they comply with the building code. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 360-2 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Assistance 

361 Credit Points 

Maximum credit for Activity 360: 71 points. 

Flood protection assistance (FPA) = The total of the following points based on which of 
the topics listed below are covered. 

a. 
10, for providing site-specific flood and flood-related data, such as floor elevations, 
data on historical flooding in the neighborhood, or similar information so 
inquirers can relate the flood threat to their properties. 
This information can be obtained from flood control studies or records the community 
collected during past floods. Photographs and stories about floods need to include the following types of data that help describe the flood hazard to the inquirer: 

 
flood warning times; 
 
flood velocities and duration; 
 
depths of flooding at the inquirers property or nearby; and 
 
property damage, injuries, deaths, and other information that conveys the impact of 
flooding on the area and its residents. 
Flood elevations and building (floor) elevations both must be provided so that the flood 
hazard can be related to the buildings needs for protection. In areas of shallow flooding, or 
where there is a definite reference point, such as the curb in front of the building, a flood 
depth will be sufficient. Simply providing base flood elevations or information taken from 
elevation certificates is not credited under this activity because providing this information is 
credited under Activities 310 (Elevation Certificates) and 320 (Map Information Service). 

b. 4, for providing names of contractors and consultants knowledgeable or 
experienced in retrofitting techniques and construction. 
Most property owners do not want to retrofit their properties by themselves. People want and 
need to know the names of companies who can do the work. Many communities have lists of 
such companies from their building, housing, or community development department records. 
Some communities and states regulate and license contractors for certain types of work. 

It is important to note that this activity does not call on communities to recommend or 
endorse contractors or consultants. The community need only provide names and addresses or 
telephone numbers of licensed contractors or companies that have done the type of work the 
inquirer needs done or have been licensed by the community or state to do the type of work 
needed. The list must be organized by specialty (e.g., house movers, plumbers, waterproofers, 
etc.). 

CRS Coordinators Manual 360-
3 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Assistance 

c. 3, for providing material on how to select a qualified contractor and what recourse 
people have if they are dissatisfied with a contractors performance. 
There are many references for this type of information, including Repairing Your Flooded 
Home and Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures (see Section 
354.a.3). Other sources are local building trades councils, state licensing or registration 
agencies, the Better Business Bureau, city or county attorney, or a state or local consumer 
protection agency. 

d. 35, for making site visits to review flooding, drainage, and sewer problems and 
providing one-on-one advice to the property owner. The visit can be to review 
an existing problem or to provide advice to someone contemplating developing 
or improving a property. A record must be kept of each visit. This service must 
do more than simply determine whether the community will construct a 
drainage improvement project; it must include providing advice to the owner or 
resident on how to protect the property from the flood hazard. 
e. 14, for providing advice and assistance on the retrofitting techniques discussed in 
Activity 530 (Flood Protection). 
NOTE: This activity does not give credit for normal building department activities such as 
making site visits and/or reviewing plans to ensure that they comply with the building code. 
f. Either: 
5, if the person providing the advice and assistance on retrofitting techniques has 
graduated from the Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Buildings course at the 
Emergency Management Institute, OR 
2, if the person providing the advice and assistance on retrofitting techniques has 
successfully completed the retrofitting home study course (IS-279) of the 
Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency 
(FEMA) or an equivalent field-deployed course that includes a final exam that is 
a prerequisite to graduation. 
The objective is to have a knowledgeable person (other than a building contractor) directly 
advise a property owner on appropriate flood protection measures. This activity is not 
designed to provide a public service that competes with local engineers or architects. The 
objective is to help a property owner select the most appropriate protection measure or 
measures, not to prepare detailed construction specifications. Where appropriate, the 
technical advisor would still recommend soils analyses or structural studies. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 360-4 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Assistance 

Activity 530 (Flood Protection) provides credit for modifications that have been made to 
existing buildings to protect them from flooding. These techniques include elevating a 
building above flood levels, floodwalls, dry floodproofing, wet floodproofing, and sewer 
backup protection. This element credits helping property owners to understand these 
retrofitting techniques and to choose the most appropriate measure. 

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in 
Emmitsburg, Maryland. It offers a five-day course on retrofitting techniques oriented to 
engineers and experienced building professionals. Stipends to cover travel, registration, and 
rooms are usually available from FEMA. EMI also offers several independent study courses, 
which are also free. For more information, call EMI at 1-800-238-3358 or see the EMI 
website at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/. 

Example 361.e-1. Floodville provides inquirers with flood and floor elevation 
data from available records. If an owner of a building without an elevation record so 
requests, the City Engineer will visit the site and survey the first and lowest floor 
elevations. The City Building Department also has an after-action report that describes the last flood, including the damage data, which it discusses with interested 
parties. [10 points] 

The City Consumer Protection Office has prepared a handout on selecting an 
architect, engineer, or contractor. Copies are prominently displayed in the Building 
Department. The handout notes that the personnel in the consumer protection office 
are available to talk with people and help them with problems [3 points]. 

The Public Works Department responds to requests and complaints from property 
owners who have a flood, sewer, or drainage problem. After each visit, the staff 
member writes a memo for the record that lists the cause of the problem, whether 
the City has an obligation to correct it, and recommended solutions. A copy of the 
letter is given to the owner. [35 points] 

The City does not provide advice or assistance on what retrofitting techniques are 
appropriate for a particular building. 

FPA = 10 + 3 + 35 = 48 

362 Credit Calculation 

c360 = FPA 

Example 362-1. Floodvilles flood protection assistance procedures are 
discussed in the previous section: FPA = 48. 

c360 = 48 

CRS Coordinators Manual 360-5 Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Assistance 

363 Credit Documentation 

The community must submit the following: 

a. 
A copy of the document the community used to publicize the service. This may be 
through one of three kinds of outreach projects: 
1. 
An outreach project to the community or floodplain properties credited under 
OPC or OPF in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects); 
2. 
An outreach project pursuant to the public information strategy (OPS) credited in 
Activity 330, provided the public information strategy document discusses the 
best way to advise the target audiences; or 
3. 
An annual outreach project that advises all residents and businesses in the 
community or in the floodplain about the service, but is not credited under 
Activity 330 (e.g., a short notice with all tax or utility bills). The materials must be 
distributed each year and must reach at least 90% of the target audience. 
No credit is awarded if these services are not publicized each year. The applicant must note 
360 in the margin of the section of the outreach project where it describes the flood 
protection assistance provided. 

Example 363.a-1. Floodville publicizes its flood protection assistance service in 
the flyer it sends to all residents (see Figure 330-1). It is marked to show where the 
FPA publicity appears. 

b. 
A description of the technical qualifications of all persons who are providing the site 
visit and retrofitting assistance credited under Sections 361.d and e. If credit is 
being sought under Section 361.f for graduation from the EMI retrofitting course, a 
copy of the certificate of graduation must be included. 
The persons resume is usually readily available. The document should include training or 
other qualifications that directly relate to the persons knowledge of the topic. 

If the community is seeking credit for having the person who provides retrofitting advice and 
assistance graduated from the EMI retrofitting course, a copy of the certificate of graduation 
must be submitted. It should be noted that an EMI certificate of ATTENDANCE is not 
sufficient. An EMI CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION is provided only if the student passes the 
final examination. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 360-
6 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Assistance 

c. 
If the person is not a community employee, a letter stating that the person and/or 
agency have agreed to do the work. 
The community must have the following documentation available to verify 
implementation of this activity: 

d. 
[Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 361.b or c] A list 
of the names of contractors or consultants (organized by specialty, e.g., house 
movers, plumbing contractors, waterproofers, landscapers, etc.) and/or a copy of 
the material the community provides on how to select a contractor. 
e. 
[Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 361.d or e] 
Records noting the date and type of assistance given. The records must include the 
details of the findings and recommendations provided to the inquirer. 
Copies of written reports, memos, work orders, letters to the property owners, or similar 
records of site visits and retrofitting recommendations are needed to document the site visits 
and retrofitting advice credited under Sections 361.d and e. 

364 For More Information 

Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource 
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/. 

a. 
Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources 
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water 
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat. 
b. 
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide technical information and advice on flood 
protection measures to interested communities and individuals. Requests for assistance 
should be submitted to the Flood Plain Management Services Coordinator at the 
appropriate District Office of the Corps. 
c. 
See also Section 354.a.3 for references on protecting buildings from flood damage. 
d. 
The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in 
Emmitsburg, Maryland. It offers a five-day course on retrofitting techniques oriented to 
engineers and experienced building professionals. Stipends to cover travel, registration, 
and rooms are usually available from FEMA. EMI also offers several independent study 
course, which are also free. For more information, call EMI at 1-800-238-3358 or the 
state emergency management agencys training office, or see the EMI website at 
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/. 
CRS Coordinators Manual 360-
7 
Edition: 2006 


Flood Protection Assistance 

e. 
The following publication is available free. See the FEMA Order Form at the end of 
Appendix E. 
Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect your House from Flooding, 

FEMA-312. http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/rfit.shtm. 

CRS Coordinators Manual 360-
8 
Edition: 2006