1 

FEMA POLICY: GUIDANCE ON

THE USE OF AVAILABLE FLOOD 

HAZARD INFORMATION 

FEMA Policy #104-008-2

BACKGROUND 

The policy is for FEMA Headquarters, Regional program staff, and for the Field 

Staff at the Joint Field Office (JFO) interacting with states, tribal, and local 

officials, and other federal agencies and grantees following a Presidential 

declared disaster. This policy is also for states, tribal, and local officials following 

a Presidential declared disaster. 

SUPERSESSION

This policy supersedes Policy 108.024.5 Issuance and Use of Advisory Base 

Flood Elevations in the Implementation of FEMA Assistance issued December 

18, 2013. 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this policy is fourfold: 

Section1. To provide available and Advisory Flood Hazard Information for state, 

tribal, and local officials in order to mitigate future flood damages; 

Sections 2, 3, and 4: To provide guidance on the use of work maps, Preliminary 

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) or when 

Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs) are available to communities for new 

and substantially improved/substantially damaged structures. The purpose is also 

to describe the insurance implications of using this information and using it for 

Increased Cost of Compliance. (See the Definitions section for the definition of 

“community.”) 

Section 5: To provide guidance for FEMA in complying with requirements in 44

CFR Section 9.7(c) and Executive Order (EO) 11988 Sec. 2(a)(1) on the use of

best available flood hazard information in making FEMA mitigation and recovery 

decisions in areas impacted by the severe storms and flooding; 

Section 6. To acknowledge the coordination responsibilities under the Unified 
2 

Federal Review Process for federal agencies to communicate and allow for an

informed and collaborative approach to unifying environmental and historic 

preservation compliance reviews for disaster recovery work. 

PRINCIPLES

A. Principle 1. FEMA has the responsibility to help ensure that communities 

affected by disaster events become less vulnerable to the loss of life and 

property from future disasters. 

B. Principle 2. FEMA is committed to providing flood hazard information to guide 

recovery. FEMA will identify available flood hazard information and develop 

Advisory Flood Hazard Information in situations where the Effective FIRMs 

and FIS and Preliminary FIRMs and FIS may not be adequate. 

C. Principle 3. FEMA is committed to coordinating across program areas and

between and among FEMA Headquarters staff, FEMA Regional staff, and the 

staff at the JFO. 

D. Principle 4. FEMA is committed to implementing objective 4.1 of the FEMA 

Strategic Plan by ensuring communities use available and Advisory Flood 

Hazard Information and analytic tools to make better risk-informed decisions 

before, during, and after disasters. 

REQUIREMENTS 

A. SECTION 1: AVAILABLE AND ADVISORY FLOOD HAZARD 

INFORMATION

Outcome: FEMA will communicate to stakeholders the availability of flood 

hazard information that will be used to guide recovery in areas impacted by

severe storms and flooding. In situations where the Effective or Preliminary 

FIS and FIRM may not be adequate for use in the recovery process, FEMA 

may develop Advisory Flood Hazard Information in coordination with states, 

tribes, local officials and other federal agencies. 

1. Available Flood Hazard Information. Because flood risk can change over 

time, FEMA continually updates its inventory of flood hazard information. 

Therefore, available flood hazard information can vary depending upon the 

different phases of data development within the flood hazard mapping 

project lifecycle (see Attachment A.1 for a summary of project phases and

the data developed during each phase). Following a severe weather 

event, impacted communities rely on FEMA’s flood hazard information to

guide recovery efforts. For this reason, it is important to identify and 

evaluate all available sources of flood hazard information in order to

provide stakeholders the appropriate information needed to support 

recovery. 
3 

a. Identify: The identification of available flood hazard information may 

begin while the severe weather event is still occurring. Immediately 

following a Presidential disaster declaration, the FEMA Region’s 

Mitigation Division (Risk Analysis Branch) should develop an

Available Flood Hazard Information Table and Exhibit (for 

examples, see Attachments A.2 and A.3) containing data that can 

be used both internally to make decisions and externally to

communicate available flood hazard information to stakeholders. 

The following information should be identified for each 

county/community/jurisdiction in the impacted area: 

i. Effective FIRM date(s) 

ii. Active or Completed Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) 

iii. Preliminary FIRM date(s) 

iv. Ongoing Study Identification (i.e. 

Watershed/Study Name, Countywide or

Physical Map Revision (PMR) Name) 

v. Flood Hazard Mapping Project Phase (for ongoing 

studies) 

vi. Detailed Status of Flood Hazard Mapping Project Phase 

(for ongoing studies) including next milestone and its 

projected date 

vii. Available Flood Risk Products 

b. Evaluate: Once the Available Flood Hazard Information Table and 

Exhibit have been prepared, the FEMA Region’s Mitigation Division 

(Risk Analysis Branch) should evaluate the status of all available 

flood hazard information in the impacted communities and

determine what data should be used to guide recovery. For ongoing 

studies that are in the Data Development and Sharing phase of the 

Flood Hazard Map project lifecycle, FEMA should coordinate with 

the mapping partner and state, tribe, and local entities to evaluate 

the feasibility of accelerating project schedules to the Preliminary 

FIRM stage if appropriate. Considerations include: 

i. whether work map products have been completed 

and shared with the community during a Flood Risk 

Review meeting, and if so, were any significant 

technical concerns raised? 

ii. whether the community was provided a 30 day period 

to provide data to FEMA that can be used to

supplement or modify the existing data, to comply with 

Section 30 (C) of the Homeowner’s Flood Insurance 

Affordability Act 

iii. if the hydrologic and hydraulic analyses have 

been completed and passed all quality review 

processes 
4 

iv. the availability of local, state and/or federal 

leverage data 

v. the need for additional or improved data 

vi. the current schedule for Preliminary FIRM issuance 

vii. post-event changes to hydrology and/or hydraulics based 

on impacts from flood, fire, earthquake, and/or other 

disaster event(s) 

Based on the evaluation of the impacts versus benefits of the 

considerations analysis, FEMA will determine to accelerate the 

ongoing project or utilize other methods of determining available 

information. For example, if FEMA determines that accelerating a 

project to the Preliminary FIRM phase is not feasible, or if there is

a need to provide supplemental flood hazard information to 

support recovery efforts, FEMA may develop Advisory Flood 

Hazard Information as outlined in Sub-Section A.2 of this policy. 

c. Communicate: Once FEMA has identified available flood hazard 

information and evaluated the feasibility of accelerating to

Preliminary FIRM phase or developing new data, the FEMA 

Region’s Mitigation Division (Risk Analysis Branch) should 

communicate to stakeholders the available sources of flood 

hazard information to guide recovery. Available flood hazard 

information should be communicated from the Region to the 

Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and stakeholders via a 

Memorandum on Available Flood Hazard Information (see 

Attachment A.3). The memorandum should provide a table and 

exhibit (map) summarizing available flood hazard information in

the affected area, and guidance related to the availability of

current and future flood hazard information as follows: 

i. “The status of the Effective FIS and FIRM, active or 

completed Letters of Map Revision (LOMR), and 

available Preliminary FEMA flood hazard information for 

all [Insert counties/communities/other jurisdictions] in 

[Insert state] are identified on Table 1 and Exhibit 1. It 

should be noted that available data may change over 

the course of time, and this information may be updated 

periodically in the future to reflect these changes. The 

most current versions of Table 1 and Exhibit 1 are 

available at this website: [Insert appropriate 

FEMA/state/local website]:

ii. FEMA is committed to providing Available Flood Hazard 

Information to guide recovery. In situations where the 

Effective or Preliminary FIS and FIRM may not be 

adequate for use in the recovery process, FEMA may 
5 

develop Advisory Flood Hazard Information and release 

Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFE) in coordination 

with state officials.”

d. Provide: The FEMA Region should consider using local, state or

FEMA GIS Data Services such as the GeoPlatform 

(https://fema.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html) to maintain a 

summary table and exhibit of available flood hazard information in 

disaster designated communities. Further, FEMA will direct 

communities and Federal stakeholders to the Flood Map Service 

Center (MSC) to download available Effective and Preliminary 

flood hazard information for declared disaster areas 

(https://msc.fema.gov/).

2. Advisory Flood Hazard Information. Once the available flood hazard 

information has been determined and the locations where the delivery of

accelerated Preliminary FIRMs are known, then FEMA will determine if 

there is a need to develop Advisory Flood Hazard Information which 

may include Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs). 

a. The decision to develop Advisory Flood Hazard Information shall 

be made in a timely manner and be based on an evaluation of the 

need for such information, which is directly informed by the timely 

ability to deliver advisory information to influence recovery. The 

decision making process includes: a review of the event to 

assess the adequacy of the Effective or Preliminary flood hazard 

information; a technical analysis of the available data elements 

including those data being collected during and after the event; 

and an assessment of whether and how the data would be used 

at the state and local levels. See Attachment A.4, Advisory Flood 

Hazard Information, for a detailed description of the data 

considerations, decision making process, and considerations for 

release of Advisory Flood Hazard Information. 

b. The FEMA Regional Office (Regional Administrator and Mitigation 

Division, Risk Analysis Branch) shall collaborate with the Federal 

Coordinating Officer (FCO) and Hazard Mitigation Branch Director 

(and other appropriate staff) at the Joint Field Office (JFO), the 

State Coordinating Officer (SCO), and tribal and/or local 

jurisdictions to determine the need for Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information to support recovery. The decision to not develop new 

Advisory Flood Hazard Information shall be made by the Regional 

Administrator and Mitigation Division, Risk Analysis Branch, in 

consultation with the FCO and SCO. The decision to develop new 

Advisory Flood Hazard Information shall require approval by the 

Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation. 
6 

c. If the development of Advisory Flood Hazard Information and 

associated products will be funded by the Disaster Fund through 

the JFO, then concurrence from the FCO is essential. 

B. SECTION 2: WORK MAPS, PRELIMINARY FIRMs AND FIS, OR

WHEN ABFEs ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITIES FOR 

FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PURPOSES 

Outcome: In order to minimize future flood damages, the goal of this policy 

is for communities participating in the NFIP to use work maps, Preliminary 

FIRM and FIS, or when ABFEs are available where the Effective FIRM and 

FIS may not represent current flooding conditions. 

Information about work maps, Preliminary FIRM and FIS, and ABFEs 

referenced in this section is described in Section 1 and Attachments A.1 and 

A.4. 

1. Using information from work maps, Preliminary FIRM and FIS, or 

when ABFEs are available for floodplain management purposes. 

a. For Zone A: 

Zone A are those parts of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) 

where BFEs or floodways have not been developed on the 

community’s Flood Hazard Boundary Maps (FHBMs) or FIRM and 

FIS. In areas designated as Zone A, communities are required to 

apply the provision of 44 CFR §60.3(b)(4) of the NFIP Regulations. 

The information obtained under Subparagraph §60.3(b)(4) 

constitute available information which requires that communities: 

Obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation 

and floodway data available from a Federal, State, or other 

source... [44 CFR §60.3(b)(4)] 

Information obtained are to be used by communities as criteria for 

requiring that new and substantially improved/substantially 

damaged structures have their lowest floors elevated to or above 

the BFE (non-residential structures can also be floodproofed to or 

above the BFE) and for prohibiting any encroachments in a 

floodway that would result in any increase in flood levels during 

occurrence of the base flood discharge. The information obtained 

should be used by communities as long as they reasonably reflect 

flooding conditions expected during the base flood (1% annual 

chance flood), are not known to be scientifically or technically 

incorrect, and represent the best information available. 

Information from work maps, Preliminary FIRM and FIS or ABFEs, 
7 

when available, constitute available information under 44 CFR 

§60.3(b)(4). 

The requirement at Subparagraph 60.3(b)(4) is an important 

floodplain management tool for reducing flood damages in areas 

where a detailed study to develop BFEs and designate floodways 

on rivers and streams has not been conducted. Communities are 

required to reasonably utilize work maps, Preliminary FIRM and 

FIS or when ABFEs are available under the section of their 

ordinance that applies to this subparagraph. A community is 

allowed discretion in using this information only to the extent that 

the technical or scientific validity of the work maps, Preliminary 

FIRMs and the FIS or when ABFEs are available is questioned. 

In Zone A areas, the rationale for requiring reasonable utilization of 

information from work maps, Preliminary FIRM and FIS or when 

BFEs 

are available is premised on the absence of BFE or floodway 

information on Effective FIRMs and FIS and the need to protect 

new or substantially improved/substantially damaged structures 

from flood damage. The use of the qualifier "reasonable" at 

subparagraph §60.3(b)(4) reflects FEMA's statutory obligation to 

provide the public an opportunity to appeal the proposed elevation 

information. 

If a community decides not to use the BFE or floodway information 

from work maps, Preliminary FIRM and FIS, or when ABFEs are 

available because it is questioning the information through a valid 

appeal, the community must continue to ensure that structures are 

constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood 

damages in accordance with the floodplain management 

requirements under subparagraphs §60.3(a)(3) and (4). 

Subparagraph §60.3(a)(3) requires communities to review permit 

applications to determine whether proposed building sites are 

reasonably safe from flooding. If a proposed building site is 

floodprone, communities are to require that new or substantial 

improved/substantially damaged structures are adequately 

anchored, be constructed with flood resistant materials, be 

constructed to minimize flood damages, and have attendant utilities 

protected during the conditions of flooding. 

Subparagraph §60.3(a)(4) requires communities to review 

subdivision proposals and other proposed new developments, 

including manufactured home parks or subdivisions, to determine 

whether proposals will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a 

subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is 
8 

floodprone, communities are required to review such proposals to 

assure potential flood damages are minimized, utilities are 

constructed to minimize or eliminate damages, and adequate 

drainage is provided to reduce the exposure to flood hazards. 

When all appeals have been resolved and a notice of final flood 

elevation determination has been provided in a Letter of Final 

Determination (LFD), communities are required to use the BFE and 

floodway information for regulating floodplain development in 

accordance with 44 CFR 60.3(b)(4) since the information 

represents the best information available. This includes meeting 

the standards at 44 CFR 60.3(c), and (d) pertaining to the elevation 

of residential and nonresidential structures (or dry floodproofing 

non-residential structures) and floodways. Communities must 

regulate floodplain development using the information from the 

FIRMs and the FIS under 60.3(b)(4) until such time as the 

community has adopted the revised FIRM and FIS. 

b. For Zones AE, A1-30, AH, AO, VE, and V1-30

The NFIP floodplain management criteria do not require 

communities to use BFE and floodway information from work 

maps, Preliminary FIRMs and the FIS or when ABFEs are available 

in Zones AE, A1-30, AH, AO, VE, and V1-30 in lieu of using the 

BFE and floodway information contained on an Effective FIRM and 

FIS. Because communities are afforded the opportunity to appeal 

BFE information after issuance of a Preliminary FIRM and FIS in 

accordance with Section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act 

of 1968, as amended, a presumption of validity is given to the 

Effective BFEs that have gone through the formal statutory appeals 

process and which have been adopted by the community. 

However, in cases where BFEs increase in the restudied area, 

communities have the responsibility to ensure that new or 

substantially improved/ substantial damaged structures are 

protected, particularly if the increases in BFEs are significant. While 

FEMA cannot mandate or require a community to use BFE and 

floodway information from work maps, Preliminary FIRMs and the 

FIS or when ABFEs are available or to use the information at the 

time FEMA issues the LFD to the community until such time that 

the revised FIRMs and FIS have been adopted, FEMA encourages 

communities to reasonably utilize this information in instances 

where BFEs increase and floodways are revised to ensure that the 

health, safety, and property of their citizens are protected. 

In cases where BFEs decrease, the community should not use 

work maps, Preliminary FIRMs and the FIS or when ABFEs are 
9 

available to regulate floodplain development until the LFD has been 

issued or at least until all appeals have been resolved. If the work 

maps, Preliminary FIRMs and FIS or when ABFEs are available 

provides information that BFEs are decreasing, but a valid appeal 

actually results in higher BFEs, the community could place its 

citizens at a greater flood risk by using work maps, Preliminary 

FIRMs and the FIS or when ABFEs are available to regulate 

floodplain development. Also, these structures could be subject to 

increased flood insurance premiums. 

In communities where floodways have not been designated for all 

or some of the flooding sources, but BFEs have been provided, 

communities are required to apply the criteria at 44 CFR 

§60.3(c)(10): 

Require until a floodway is designated, no new construction, 

substantial improvements, or other development (including fill) 

shall be permitted within Zones A-30 and AE on the 

community’s FIRM, unless it is demonstrated that the 

cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined 

with all other existing and anticipated development, will not 

increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more 

than one foot at any point within the community. [44 CFR 

60.3(c)(10)]. 

However, if work maps, Preliminary FIRMs and FIS or when 

ABFEs are available and designated floodways where none had 

previously existed, communities should reasonably utilize this 

information in lieu of applying the encroachment performance 

standard of subparagraph §60.3(c)(10) since the information from 

the work maps, Preliminary FIRMs and the FIS or when ABFEs are 

available represents information that could minimize any increase 

in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the 

base flood discharge. 

By utilizing the floodway information from work maps, Preliminary 

FIRMs and FIS or when ABFEs are available, communities avoid 

the expense of conducting the hydraulic analysis necessary to 

demonstrate compliance with 60.3 (c)(10). In addition, communities 

can minimize flood damages by ensuring that the flood carrying 

capacity of the floodway is preserved since obstruction of 

floodways can significantly increase potential flooding upstream 

(§60.3(d)(3). 

c. For Zones B, C, and X 

The NFIP floodplain management criteria do not require the use of 
10 

BFE and floodway information from work maps, Preliminary FIRMs 

and the FIS or when ABFEs are available under 44 CFR 60.3(b)(4) 

for an area or areas within Zones B, C, or X on the community's 

FIRM that are being revised to Zone AE, A1-30, AH, AO, VE, or 

V1-30.

While FEMA cannot mandate or require a community to use the 

information from work maps, Preliminary FIRMs and the FIS or 

when ABFEs are available pertaining to areas designated as Zone 

B, C, or X as available information or use the information at the 

time FEMA issues the LFD to the community, FEMA encourages 

communities to reasonably utilize this information to ensure that the 

health, safety, and property of their citizens are protected. 

2. Ordinance Requirements: Adoption of the Revised FIRMs and FIS

a. For Zone A

When all appeals have been resolved and a notice of a final flood 

elevation determination has been provided in a LFD for areas 

previously designated as Zone A, communities are required to use 

the BFE and floodway from the revised FIRM and FIS for regulating

floodplain development in accordance with subparagraph 

§60.3(b)(4) since the information represents the best information 

available. This includes meeting the standards of §60.3(c), (d), 

and/or (e) pertaining to the floodplain requirements of the NFIP for 

new and substantially improved/substantially damaged structures. 

Communities must regulate floodplain development using the 

information on the revised FIRM and in the FIS under 

subparagraph §60.3(b)(4) until such time as the community has 

adopted the revised FIRM and FIS. 

b. For Zones AE, A1-30, AH, AO, VE, V1-30, B, C, and X 

Communities are given six months from the date of the LFD in 

which to adopt the revised FIRM and FIS. This is in keeping with 

FEMA's statutory obligation to provide a reasonable time for the 

community to adopt floodplain management regulations consistent 

with the revised FIRM and FIS. Subparagraph §59.24(a) of the 

NFIP Regulations provides for a six month compliance period in 

which the community must adopt the revised FIRM and FIS and 

amend existing regulations to incorporate any additional floodplain 

management requirements under §60.3. 

Floodplain management ordinances generally contain a section 

entitled "Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard" 

in which the revised FIRMs and FIS are cited. Language in the 
11 

ordinance may include any subsequent amendments thereto (i.e., 

to include any subsequent revised FIRM and FIS); however, this 

language should not be used as the basis for a community to use 

the Preliminary FIRMs and the FIS or when ABFEs are available 

prior to the issuance of the LFD. If a community chooses to use 

Preliminary FIRMs and FIS or when ABFEs are available prior to 

the LFD being issued or use the information after a LFD is issued 

but before the community has adopted the revised FIRM and FIS, it 

is advised that the community adopt this information before its use. 

C. SECTION 3: INSURANCE IMPLICATIONS OF USING AVAILABLE AND 

ADVISORY FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION 

Outcome: This section explains the insurance implications when using work 

maps, Preliminary FIRM and FIS, or when ABFEs are available. 

Information about work maps, Preliminary FIRM and FIS, and ABFEs 

referenced in this section is described in Section 1 and Attachments A.1 and 

A.4. 

Zone A

For a new or substantially improved/substantially damaged structure, 

communities can use information from work maps, Preliminary FIRM and 

FIS, or when ABFEs are available for completing the Elevation Certificate 

in Zone A areas. The flood insurance policies for new or substantially 

improved/substantially damaged structures in Zone A that are rated using 

BFE data from work maps, Preliminary FIRM and the FIS, and when 

ABFEs are available will often qualify for significantly lower insurance 

rates than policies that are rated without a BFE. 

Zones AE, A1-30, AH, AO, VE, and V1-30

For flood insurance rating purposes, in Zones AE, A1-30, AH, AO, VE, or 

V1-30, new or substantially improved/substantially damaged structures 

are rated based on the BFE and FIRM Zone in effect on the date of 

construction until the revised FIRM becomes effective. This is the case 

regardless of whether the work maps, Preliminary FIRMs and the FIS, or 

available ABFEs indicate that the proposed BFEs will increase or 

decrease. 

If a community chooses to use BFEs from work maps, Preliminary FIRMs 

and the FIS or when ABFEs are available for a new or substantially 

improved/substantially damaged structure, the flood insurance rate is still 

based on the BFE and FIRM Zone in effect on the date of construction. 

The flood insurance rate will be based on the FIRM Zone in effect and the 

elevation difference between the BFE in effect and the elevation of the 
12 

lowest floor. Therefore, if a new or substantially improved/substantially 

damaged structure is built to the proposed BFE from a work map, 

Preliminary FIRM and FIS or when ABFE are available and this BFE is 

higher than the BFE in effect, the flood insurance rate may be significantly 

lower. In this case, the insured will qualify for a premium pro rata refund 

once the revised FIRM and FIS are effective. However, a new or 

substantially improved/substantially damaged structure built to a BFE from 

a work map, Preliminary FIRM and FIS or when ABFE are available is 

lower than the BFE in effect it may result in a significantly higher flood 

insurance rate. 

Zones B, C, and X

For flood insurance rating purposes, new or substantially 

improved/substantially damaged structures are rated based on the FIRM 

Zone in effect (i.e., Zone B, C, or X) on the date of start of construction. If 

a community chooses to use BFEs from work maps, Preliminary FIRMs 

and FIS, or when ABFEs are available for a new or substantially 

improved/substantially damaged structure, the flood insurance rate is still 

based on the FIRM Zone in effect (i.e., Zone B, C or X) on the date of 

construction. 

D. SECTION 4: INCREASED COST OF COMPLIACE (ICC) COVERAGE 

Outcome: To provide information on how ICC uses available and Advisory 

Flood Hazard Information for mitigation purposes. 

Information about Preliminary FIRMs and the FIS or when ABFEs are 

available referenced in this section is described in Section 1 and 

Attachments A.1 and A.4. 

ICC coverage is a standard coverage in most NFIP policies. The 

coverage provides up to $30,000 to help property owners reduce the risk 

of damage from future floods by elevating residential and nonresidential 

structures (or floodproofing nonresidential structures only), demolishing, 

or relocating their structure to meet the requirements of a community’s 

floodplain management ordinance. 

If the community adopts and enforces a Preliminary FIRM and FIS or 

when ABFEs are available, ICC benefits will be available to elevate 

residential and nonresidential structures (or floodproofing nonresidential 

structures only), demolish, or relocate their structure. If the community 

does not adopt and enforce a Preliminary FIRM and FIS or when ABFEs 

are available, ICC benefits will only pay to elevate residential and 

nonresidential structures (or floodproofing nonresidential structures only) 

to the BFE on the Effective FIRM and FIS or BFE plus freeboard if the 

community has adopted this standard. 
13 

The community must declare the building to be substantially damaged by 

flood by the time the repair permit is issued by the community. The NFIP 

requires that the ICC claim be filed as soon as the property owner is 

notified by the community that the building has been substantially 

damaged by flood. 

For additional information on ICC see the following website: 

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/floodplain/fema301.pdf

 

E. SECTION 5: USE OF BEST AVAILABLE FLOOD HAZARD 

INFORMATION FOR MITIGATION AND RECOVERY DECISIONS

Outcome: FEMA will use the best available flood hazard information to

determine the flood zone and Base Flood Elevation (BFE) when making 

mitigation and recovery decisions for construction and repair. 

Information about Preliminary FIRMs and the FIS or Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information referenced in this section is described in Section 1 and 

Attachments A.1 and A.4. 

1. This section provides guidance for FEMA in complying with 

requirements in 44 CFR Section 9.7(c) and Executive Order (EO) 

11988 Section 2(a)(1) on the use of best available flood hazard 

information for FEMA actions. 

2. For Public Assistance, this policy applies to projects for which funds have 

not yet been obligated as of the date of this Policy. For Hazard Mitigation 

Assistance, this policy applies to disasters declared on or after the date of 

this Policy or application periods that start on or after this Policy. 

3. The best available flood hazard information must be determined for each 

proposed project site. 

4. To determine the best available information, FEMA will first identify the 

available sources of flood hazard information for a proposed project site 

by consulting: 

a. the Effective and/or Preliminary FIRMs and FIS as identified in the 

latest Available Flood Hazard Information Table, and 

b. the Advisory Flood Hazard Information, if developed. 

5. If only one source of flood hazard information is available for the 

proposed project site, then that source is the best available 

information. 
14 

6. Where multiple sources of flood hazard information are available for a 

proposed project site, such as where there is both an Effective and 

Preliminary FIRM or both an Effective FIRM and Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information, FEMA will compare each source. The best available 

information is the source which provides the more restrictive flood 

hazard zone, the highest Base Flood Elevation, and/or the greatest 

discharge.

7. Projects funded by FEMA must be designed to the best available 

information or a State or local floodplain management standard, 

whichever is more restrictive. 

8. If additional flood hazard information is needed, FEMA will seek additional 

information from Federal, State, or local sources. Examples of situations 

where additional flood hazard information may be needed are where a 

proposed project site is in an area where FEMA has not conducted a flood 

study, where a FIRM and FIS do not provide a Base Flood Elevation, or 

where a FIRM and FIS do not delineate the flood hazard boundaries in the 

vicinity of the proposed site. If no flood hazard information can be found 

from existing sources, FEMA will seek the services of a professional 

engineer with the ability to develop information about the floodplain. 

F. SECTION 6: USE OF BEST AVAILABLE INFORMATION FOR UNIFIED 

FEDERAL REVIEW PROCESS

Outcome: The Unified Federal Review Advisor will message and share 

flood hazard information standards and sources of available information to

ensure all agencies completing EHP compliance reviews have a unified 

understanding of agencies’ standards. 

1. The Unified Federal Review (UFR) Process enhances the ability of

federal agencies to collaborate and expedite the reviews of disaster 

recovery projects for compliance with environmental and historic 

preservation (EHP) requirements. 

2. The UFR Advisor serves as a liaison and coordinator between 

disaster recovery agencies in the field, and helps to identify 

opportunities to expedite environmental and historic preservation 

compliance and promote unification during disaster recovery. 

a. The UFR Advisor serves an important role in the messaging and 

sharing of flood hazard information standards and sources of

available information with other federal agencies’ EHP compliance 

staff, ensuring all agencies completing EHP compliance reviews 

have a unified understanding of agencies’ standards. 
15 

b. The UFR Advisor may also assist/coordinate federal agencies’ 

application of available information for specific projects when 

necessary, facilitating agreements between multiple agencies 

funding the same/similar facilities to allow for a unified review 

standard. 

More information on the Unified Federal Review Process can be located at 

the following web link: 

http://www.fema.gov/unified-federal-environmental-and-historicpreservation-review-presidentially-declared-disasters. 

 

Roy E. Wright 

Deputy Associate Administrator for 

Insurance and Mitigation 

October 11, 2016 
16

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REVIEW CYCLE 

FEMA Policy, insert FEA #, Guidance on the Use of Available Flood Hazard 

Information, will be reviewed, reissued, revised, or rescinded within four 

years of the issue date. 

AUTHORITIES 

A. National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as amended 

B. Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of

1988 

C. Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended 

D. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

REFERENCES 

A. Executive Order 11988 – Floodplain Management, as amended 

B. Executive Order 13690 Establishing a Federal Flood Risk 

Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and

Considering Stakeholder Input, January 30, 2015 

C. Guidelines for Implementing Executive Order 11988 - Floodplain 

Management as amended and Executive Order 13690 Establishing a 

Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further 

Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input, issued January 30, 

2015 

D. Floodplain Management Bulletin 1-98 – Use of Flood Insurance 

Study (FIS) Data As Available Data 

ATTACHMENTS

A. Attachment A.1: Flood Hazard Mapping Project Phases and Available 

Work Products 

B. Attachment A.2: Available Flood Hazard Information Table (Internal) 

C. Attachment A.3. Memorandum on Available Flood Hazard Information 

D. Attachment A.4. Advisory Flood Hazard Information and Advisory 

Base Flood Elevations 
17

DEFINITIONS 

A. For purpose of Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4, this Policy will refer to 

“community” which is defined in 44 CFR §59.1 Definitions as: 

 “...any state or area or political subdivision thereof, or any Indian tribe or 

authorized tribal organization, or Alaska Native village or authorized 

native organization, which has authority to adopt and enforce floodplain 

management regulations for the areas within its jurisdiction.” 

MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

Monitoring of this policy will take place throughout implementation of the 

policy. An evaluation will take place at the close of the disaster to

determine if any adjustment needs to occur with the policy. 

QUESTIONS 

Direct questions to FEMA-Floodplain-Management-Division@fema.dhs.gov
Attachment A.1

Page 1 of 4 

Attachment A.1: Flood Hazard Mapping Project Phases and Available Information

Project Planning: With input from State, tribal and local leaders, a watershed (or other project 

area definition) is reviewed to determine the need for new or updated flood hazard information. 

The data developed may be used to revise or update existing Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) 

and/or create other flood risk products and datasets. The decision to initiate a project is based 

on the current flood risk in the area, available data, increases in development, population 

growth, population affected and other related factors. 

Discovery: Discovery occurs when watersheds of interest have been selected for further 

examination in coordination with Federal and State-level stakeholders. Discovery activities 

include data collection and engagement with local stakeholders, the State, Tribal nations, Other 

Federal Agencies, non-profit entities, and others. Discovery provides for the exchange of 

information among various stakeholders. The process includes one or more meetings with 

stakeholders to better understand the watershed, deciding whether a Flood Hazard Mapping 

Project is appropriate, and, if so, collaborating on the scope of the project in detail. A Discovery 

Map and Discovery Report are produced as part of the Discovery Phase. If a Flood Hazard 

Mapping Project is appropriate for the watershed, a large scale automated engineering (LSAE) 

analysis may be performed and a project scope and charter will also be finalized. Datasets and 

information available at this point in the Flood Risk Project timeline include:

a. Large Scale Automated Engineering (LSAE) Data – The LSAE process uses available 

data and automated modeling techniques early in the Flood Hazard Mapping Project 

process to produce estimated flood hazard boundaries for the 1% annual chance recurrence 

interval at a minimum. In some cases, the LSAE datasets are prepared for multiple storm 

frequencies providing additional flood recurrence intervals for the watershed of interest. The 

LSAE data may be leveraged to provide more detailed analysis and inform a future update 

of regulatory and/or non-regulatory flood risk datasets and products. 

b. Discovery Report & Maps –A Discovery Map and Discovery Report are produced that 

documents the local knowledge and insight related to existing flood risk and includes 

potential projects, detailing data existing in the watershed of interest. Locally generated 

study and engineering analysis identified during Discovery is also captured within the 

Discovery Report and Map. 
Attachment A.1

Page 2 of 4 

Data Development and Sharing: Once a Flood Hazard Mapping Project is initiated, FEMA and 

its mapping partners move forward with preparing the data, maps, and flood risk products. 

These may include the regulatory FIRM and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report used for 

floodplain management and insurance requirements and non-regulatory flood risk products and 

datasets which can be used by local officials to support mitigation and community planning and 

public outreach efforts.

a. Base Data – The planimetric, or horizontal representation, of map features that show 

georeferenced locations and contain attribute information (i.e., names) about the items. A 

base map does not include topographic or elevation data 

b. Digital Elevation Data – Includes topographic data and ground survey acquired and/or 

collected for the purpose of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, floodplain delineation, and the 

development of Flood Risk Datasets. 

c. Field Survey – Includes cross section and structure (i.e. bridges, culverts, etc) survey 

information acquired and/or collected for the purpose of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, 

floodplain delineation, and the development of Flood Risk Datasets. 

d. Hydrologic and Hydraulic Data – Hydrologic analysis determines the discharge-frequency 

relations along the flooding source and hydraulic analysis determines the extent of the 

flooding and the elevations associated with the water surface of each recurrence interval 

studied.

e. Coastal Data – Offshore coastal analyses typically include a characterization of extreme

water levels associated with hurricanes, storms, high tides, El Nino, and other large-scale 

coastal phenomenon contributing to major coastal flooding. These analyses may also 

include contributions from wave setup. Results are typically multi-frequency water level 

data. Onshore coastal analyses typically include analysis of erosion, wave runup and 

overtopping, and the overland propagation of waves but may also include analysis of other 

coastal hazards. Results are typically the identification of the Primary Frontal Dune, Base 

Flood Elevations, Coastal High Hazard Areas and other Flood Hazard Zones, and the Limit 

of Moderate Wave Action.

Risk Awareness and Mitigation Outreach: An optional Flood Risk Review Meeting may be 

organized prior to the issuance of preliminary FIRMs to provide community officials a chance to 

review and provide early feedback on draft versions of the work maps and in some cases flood 

risk products and datasets. Using the information provided, community officials can begin 

identifying mitigation opportunities in their community and communicating with the public about 

possible changes in flood risk. Communities may also be engaged in a Resilience Meeting that 

may take place before or after the release of preliminary FIRMs to help communities plan for the 

future. During this meeting, FEMA, State, and local leaders discuss factors contributing to flood

hazard mapping updates in the project area, ways the flood risk products and datasets can 

support ongoing risk assessment and planning efforts, and work to identify additional ways to 

reduce flood risk. Relationships built during the course of Flood Hazard Mapping Projects can 

and should be leveraged to support disaster recovery.

a. Work Maps – Prior to issuing Preliminary FIRMs, FEMA may provide work maps during a 

Flood Risk Review Meeting to give community officials the opportunity to review the results 

of the flood hazard information. 

b. Flood Risk Datasets - Flood Risk Datasets are a component of the flood risk products. 

Flood risk products help community members and officials view and visualize their local 
Attachment A.1

Page 3 of 4 

flood risk, allowing communities to make informed decisions about reducing flood loss and 

mitigating potential damage from flood hazards. Flood Risk Datasets may include; 

i. Changes Since Last FIRM shows where the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) has 

changed since the last effective FIRM; 

ii. Areas of Mitigation Interest communicates where conditions have contributed to the 

severity of flooding losses, allowing for better prioritization of flood mitigation efforts 

and use of funds; 

iii. Flood Depth and Analysis Grids communicate the depth and velocity of floodwaters as 

well as the probability of an area being flooded over time; 

iv. Flood Risk Assessment Data provides an assessment of potential financial 

consequences and other impacts associated with structures located in a SFHA. This 

data also enables communities to make informed decisions regarding future land 

development and community infrastructure. 

v. Other Flood Risk Datasets that communicate additional hazard information such as the 

location and relative size of Primary Frontal Dunes, areas exposed to floods greater 

than the 1% annual chance, and identification of Coastal A Zones.

Preliminary NFIP Map Release: At this stage of the Flood Hazard Mapping Project, FEMA 

releases a Preliminary FIRM which provides the public with an early look at the updated flood 

hazards in the community and how their effective FIRM might change when the updated

information becomes effective. Community officials are provided the opportunity to review and 

comment on the Preliminary FIRM, Database and FIS Report. These Preliminary products are 

available at the FEMA Map Service Center (MSC) www.msc.fema.gov. 

a. Preliminary FIRM - The Preliminary map of a community on which FEMA has delineated 

the boundaries of the SFHA and base flood elevation (where determined), and the risk 

premium zones applicable to the community. 

b. Preliminary FIRM Database - The Preliminary FIRM Database stores the preliminary digital 

GIS data used in the FIRM production process, as well as tabular information inside the 

Preliminary FIS Report. The Preliminary FIRM Database provides a standard, systematic 

method for FEMA to distribute comprehensive details of flood hazard identification studies to 

the public and others in digital format.

c. Preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) - A compilation and presentation of flood hazard 

data for specific watercourses, lakes, and coastal flood hazard areas within a community. 

The Preliminary FIS Report contains detailed information of the FIS including flood elevation 

data in flood profiles and data tables.

Community Engagement: After the release of preliminary FIRMs and FIS reports, FEMA often 

holds meetings to present them first to community officials (Consultation Coordination Officer 

[CCO] Meeting) and then the general public (Open House). Any changes in flood risk will be 

explained and participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the products. 

Appeal Process: After the Final CCO Meeting, a 90-day appeal period for communities with 

new or updated flood hazards begins after a public notification process is completed. During this 

period, communities or the public (through their community officials) may submit data to revise 

the FIRM if they believe the Preliminary FIRM is scientifically or technically incorrect. FEMA will 

review all appeals and, if necessary, make changes to the Preliminary FIRM, FIRM Database, 

and/or FIS, based on the information submitted.
Attachment A.1

Page 4 of 4 

Issuance of Letter of Final Determination (LFD): After all appeals are resolved, FEMA sends 

community officials the LFD six months before the new FIRM and FIS report become effective. 

During this six-month period, communities must adopt or amend their floodplain management 

ordinance to reflect the new maps.

Effective FIRM: Once the new effective FIRM takes effect, the FIRM and FIS are available 

through FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (MSC) and will affect floodplain development 

requirements and/or flood insurance rates.

a. Effective FIRM – The official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the 

boundaries of the SFHA and base flood elevation (where determined), and the risk premium 

zones applicable to the community. 

b. Effective FIRM Database - The FIRM Database stores the digital GIS data used in the 

FIRM production process, as well as tabular information inside the FIS Report. The FIRM 

Database provides a standard, systematic method for FEMA to distribute comprehensive 

details of flood hazard mapping studies to the public and others in digital format.

c. Effective FIS - A compilation and presentation of flood hazard data for specific 

watercourses, lakes, and coastal flood hazard areas within a community. When a flood 

study is completed for the NFIP, the information and maps are assembled into an FIS. The 

FIS Report contains detailed information of the FIS including flood elevation data in flood 

profiles and data tables.
Attachment A.2: Available Flood Hazard Information Table (Internal)

Current as of: [Insert DATE]

County Effective FIRM Date Preliminary FIRM Date Ongoing Study In Declared Area (Y/N) Flood Hazard Mapping Project Phase Detailed Status wit

Mapping Pro

County Name Effective Date Preliminary FIRM Date Watershed Name, PMR Name, Countywide

County Name Effective Date Preliminary FIRM Date* Watershed Name, PMR Name, Countywide

County Name Effective Date ** Watershed Name, PMR Name, Countywide

County Name (NI) Effective Date

Available Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) can be obtained at FEMA’s website: www.msc.fema.gov

* estimated preliminary FIRM date; preliminary FIRMs not yet available

** no estimated preliminary FIRM date; preliminary FIRMs not yet available

(NI) County not included in Federal Disaster Declaration [Insert FEMA‐####‐DR]

[Insert FEMA‐####‐DR]

TABLE 1. FEMA Flood Hazard Information Available in [Insert STATE] Counties
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC 20472

Attachment A.3

Page 1 of 3 

DATE

MEMORANDUM FOR: [Insert FCO]

FROM: [Insert FEMA Region and JFO HM Branch Director] 

SUBJECT: Available Flood Hazard Information for [Insert STATE] re: [Insert FEMA-####-

DR] in complying with FEMA Policy [Insert Policy Number 2016-X...] 

Purpose of memorandum 

Background 

Flood Hazard Information in STATE Affected Communities

The status of the effective the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate 

Map (FIRM), active or completed Letters of Map Revision (LOMR), and available 

Preliminary FEMA flood hazard information for all [Insert counties/communities/other 

jurisdictions] in [Insert state] are identified on Table 1 and Exhibit 1. It should be noted 

that available data may change over the course of time, and this information may be 

updated periodically in the future to reflect these changes. The most current versions of 

Table 1 and Exhibit 1 are available at this website: [Insert appropriate FEMA/state/local 

website]

FEMA is committed to providing Available Flood Hazard Information to guide recovery. 

In situations where the effective or Preliminary FIS and FIRM may not be adequate for 

use in the recovery process, FEMA may develop Advisory Flood Hazard Information and 

release Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFE) in coordination with state officials. 

Table 1: Available Flood Hazard Information 

County Effective FIRM 

Date

Preliminary FIRM 

Date Ongoing Study

County Name Effective Date 4/1/2016* Watershed Name, PMR Name, 

Countywide

County Name (NI) Effective Date

County Name Effective Date ** Watershed Name, PMR Name, 

Countywide

Available Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) can be obtained at FEMA’s 

website: www.msc.fema.gov/

* estimated preliminary FIRM date; preliminary FIRMs not yet available 

** no estimated preliminary FIRM date; preliminary FIRMs not yet available 

(NI) County not included in Federal Disaster Declaration [Insert FEMA-####-DR] 

Attachment 

cc: 
Attachment A.3

Page 2 of 3 

Example TABLE 1:
Attachment A.3

Page 3 of 3 

Example EXHIBIT 1
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 1 of 11

Introduction

Following a Presidential declared disaster, FEMA strives to provide communities with the most current

hazard information to consider in supporting the repair and rebuilding of public infrastructure and nonresidential and residential structures. The decision to develop Advisory Flood Hazard Information, which 

may include Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFEs), is informed by the ability to deliver advisory 

information in a timely manner to influence recovery. This requires collaboration between the FEMA 

Regional Office, the Joint Field Office (JFO) including the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO), the State 

Coordinating Officer (SCO), and the impacted communities. The decision to develop new Advisory 

Flood Hazard Information shall require approval from the Deputy Associate Administrator of Insurance 

and Mitigation, and if the development of these associated products will be funded by the Disaster Fund 

through the JFO, then concurrence from the FCO is essential.

The timely decision making process should be based on an assessment of the need for such information, 

a review of the event and the available data to assess the adequacy of the Effective or Preliminary Flood 

Hazard Information, and an understanding of the communities anticipated use of the data. This 

document highlights three main phases to assist in making the decision to develop Advisory Flood 

Hazard Information: the Decision-Making Process, the Final Decision, and the Release of Advisory 

Information. 

I. Decision-Making Process 

In general, the uses of Advisory Flood Hazard Information include supporting rebuilding efforts and 

providing the available data at the time of reconstruction for siting and elevating critical facilities and 

other Public Assistance projects, planning and evaluating Mitigation Grant projects, informing any new

and substantially improved/substantially damaged structures in the areas receiving the data, and 

increasing community resiliency. Knowing how Advisory Flood Hazard Information may be used by 

different stakeholders can assist in determining whether the data should be developed and in what 

format. The users and uses of Advisory Flood Hazard Information may differ depending on the type of 

severe weather event; the Tribal Nations, state(s), Commonwealths, or territories affected; the region of

the country; and other factors. A list of stakeholders and how they may use Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information are described below:

• Building and permit officials, local floodplain administrators, local elected 

officials, and community planners can use the information to make key 

decisions on how their communities plan for the future and guide rebuilding 

efforts. States can use the information to assist communities and address their 

structures and infrastructure. These stakeholders also have a role in ensuring 

compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) floodplain 

management requirements and may be used by other programs. 

• Builders (architects, engineers, and the construction community) can use this 

information to assist their clients, such as business-owners and home-owners, 

with rebuilding decisions. Builders and property owners are required to obtain 

building permits from the local permit office and to work alongside local officials 

in using this information when rebuilding.
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 2 of 11

• Recovery Support Functions for community planning and capacity building, 

infrastructure, and housing may rely on hazard information to guide overall 

planning efforts during the rebuilding and recovery process under the National 

Disaster Recovery Framework, supporting communities in their recovery efforts.

• Federal agency partners may use the information to comply with the Federal 

Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) of Executive Order 11988, as 

amended. 

• Local insurance agents in affected areas may use this information to inform 

business- and property-owners who are making decisions on insurance coverage 

that may be needed if/when this information is depicted on Effective Flood 

Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

The decision to develop Advisory Flood Hazard Information is a four-step process. If it is determined that 

there is not a need for Advisory Flood Hazard Information in Step 1, or that advisory information cannot 

be delivered in a timely manner to support recovery, then there may be no need to move on to Step 2; if 

there is a need identified in Step 1, but the review of the data in Step 2 shows that the current available 

data is sufficient for recovery, then there may be no need to move on to Step 3, and so on. 

1. Need

• Level of damage to buildings

• Level of change to flood hazard characteristics

• Focus on timeliness of ability to deliver 

information that informs recovery

2. Data • Event data

• Available data

• Adequacy of Effective or Preliminary data

3. 

Options • Content of Advisory Information

• Format of Advisory Information

4. Engage • Federal, state and 

local needs

• Timing
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 3 of 11

Step 1: Need for Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Advisory Flood Hazard Information may be needed when the Region determines that there has been 

significant damages and when there will therefore be efforts during recovery to repair and rebuild public 

infrastructure and non-residential and residential structures. 

At this stage, the topography and geographic conditions must be considered. For example, if there were 

a large fire or mudslide that dramatically changed the geomorphological components of the area and 

thus influences the flow dynamics in a manner different than what is represented by the current Base 

(1-percent-annual-chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), then there may be a need to develop Advisory Flood 

Hazard Information to inform long-term recovery. 

If the damages were not considered to be significant causing large scale rebuilding in the impacted area, 

if the event did not change the characteristics of the 1-percent-annual-chance-event, if data are not 

needed for compliance with other requirements, and/or if advisory information cannot be developed 

within a relatively short amount of time to inform recovery decisions, then the need for Advisory Flood 

Hazard Information may be low and the decision process may end at this stage. 

Step 2: Review of Data and Assessment of the Adequacy of the Effective or 

Preliminary FIRM

If it is determined that there is a need (Step 1), then an assessment of the available data must be 

conducted which will assist in an assessment of the adequacy of the Effective or Preliminary FIRM. In 

addition, an inventory of existing topography and available engineering models and methodologies can 

assist in determining the existing technical data that can be leveraged for Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information, if developed. There are generally three types of data that may be available for review: 

FEMA project data, data from outside sources, and event-related data. 

• Flood hazard data

•Work Maps

• Modeling

A. Available flood 

hazard data from 

ongoing FEMA studies

•Other Federal Agencies

•Academia

• State and Local Data

B. Available flood 

hazard data from 

other sources

• Flood Frequency

•High Water Marks 

•Other Information

C. Available eventbased flood hazard 

data
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 4 of 11

A. Even if a Preliminary FIRM has not been recently issued, data may be available from ongoing FEMA 

studies. If an ongoing FIRM update project is in process, there may be flood hazard data available or 

data may be able to be quickly generated for the affected area that depicts a better understanding 

of the 1-percent-annual-chance event or that can be leveraged for the development of Advisory 

Flood Hazard Information. See Attachment A.1 for more information about the types of data 

available at different stages in the process. If the data under development is determined to be 

better or more appropriate than the Effective FIRM and the hazard event does not change our 

understanding of the base flood extent and depth (for instance, if the hydrology has changed due to 

the event), then it may be decided at this stage that accelerated delivery of Preliminary FIRMs is the 

best path forward and that Advisory Flood Hazard Information is not necessary. 

B. If there is no ongoing FEMA-led study, data may be available from states, communities, private, 

academic, or other federal agency sources (for example, modeled hindcasting of the storm event)

that impact our understanding of the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event and/or can be leveraged 

for the development of Advisory Flood Hazard Information. 

C. A review of post-event data must include an assessment of the nature of the severe weather event, 

including information about the type of event and its relation to other types of hazards. If the event 

changes our understanding of the 1-percent-annual-chance flood hazard, including all its 

complementary requirements, or impacts other natural hazards (such as a fire event impacting flood 

or erosion risk), Advisory Flood Hazard Information may be needed. Identifying the frequency of a 

flood event is critical for assessing the adequacy of the Effective FIRM. In addition, high-quality high 

water mark (HWM) data, surveyed debris lines, and damage assessments may be available after a 

flood event. Note that the quantity, quality, and distribution throughout the area of HWM data and

its event correlation to the 1-percent-annual chance event is critical in creating event-based ABFEs. 

Efforts to identify, request, and organize perishable data that is being collected (e.g., gage data, 

HWM locations and elevations, aerial imagery, weather event analysis, debris lines , damage 

assessments, dune erosion assessments, dam breach and flood protection structure failure 

information, etc.) after the flood or other hazard event must be coordinated with federal, state, 

communities, academic, and other stakeholders. If the event produced flooding that differed from 

the 1-percent-annual-chance flood in certain areas, a frequency analysis can assist in understanding 

and communicating the estimated frequency of the event in those areas.

Assessment of the Adequacy of the Effective Flood Hazard Data

In the absence of Preliminary FIRMs or Advisory Flood Hazard Information, participating NFIP

communities must use the Effective FIRM and FIS to make development decisions in Special Flood 

Hazard Areas (SFHAs) in the post-disaster environment. Therefore, an assessment of the limits and 

extent of the Effective (or Preliminary, if applicable) flood hazard data is an important part of the 

decision of whether to create Advisory Flood Hazard Information. In areas where there is no mapped 

SFHA (Zone D, unmapped areas, or NSFHA communities), Advisory Flood Hazard Information may be the 

only resource to inform recovery. 

If there are significant damages outside the SFHA or the initial post-event data indicates that the BFEs, 

SFHA extents, zone designations, or other information important for recovery on the Effective or 

Preliminary FIRMs are not reflective of the 1-percent-annual-chance hazard, Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information will be considered. 
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 5 of 11

If the frequency of a flood event has been determined to be close to a 1-percent-annual-chance flood, 

an understanding about how the affected areas compare with the Effective FIRM is important, as this 

comparison may prove/disprove the adequacy of the Effective FIRMs. For instance, if the flood event 

inundation limit and/or flood elevations exceed the limit and extent of the SFHAs shown on the Effective 

or Preliminary FIRMs (i.e., the event was much larger or included larger damages than expected), 

providing Advisory Flood Hazard Information may be vital to supporting reconstruction efforts. This is 

also critical to understanding by stakeholders of the need for Advisory Flood Hazard Information

(applicable in Step 4). 

Note that disaster events impact areas differently; an event that is determined to be close to a 

1-percent-annual chance event in one area may not necessarily be considered a 1-percent-annual 

chance event in the entire impacted area. Also note that an older FIRM will not necessarily contain 

outdated flood hazard information and a newer FIRM and FIS will not necessarily contain updated 

modeling information in all areas of coverage. It is recommended that this assessment be led by the 

FEMA Regional Office partnering directly with, and requesting participation from the state, regional 

technical experts (such as river authorities or other stakeholder groups) and local subject matter experts 

(engineering firms, academia, etc.) and entities. This assessment must include a review of Coordinated 

Needs Management Strategy data to determine whether any study needs have been identified in the 

affected area and whether the flood hazard information for a flooding source was considered to be 

“valid” prior to the event. 

Step 3: Advisory Flood Hazard Information Options

If it has been determined that there is a need (Step 1) and the event or other available information 

changes our understanding of the flood risk and/or the Effective or Preliminary FIRMs and FIS are not 

sufficient for recovery (Step 2), then the type of Advisory Flood Hazard Information that is possible to 

produce with the resources available will be considered. If there are no data available to leverage in the 

affected area, the timeline to produce the Advisory Flood Hazard Information may be outside of the 

window of influence for recovery operations (see Step 4). If there is a need to develop additional data in 

order to ensure that other requirements are met in the post-event environment, it could precipitate the 

need for Advisory Flood Hazard Information. 

Advisory Flood Hazard Information can take many forms. ABFEs can be accompanied by revised SFHAs, 

zone designations, Limits of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA), velocity zones, and other information; 

Advisory data can also include storm event information, depth grids, updated hydrology, debris-flow 

information, and many other types of information. There are several sources of data that may be 

leveraged for use in releasing Advisory Flood Hazard Information, including FEMA data, data from other 

sources, and event-based information. 

Examples of Advisory Products include, but are not limited to the following:

• ABFEs for the 1-percent-annual-chance event and additional flood frequencies 

• Advisory Flood Zones that provide a representation of the ABFEs and additional flood frequencies

• Products that include storm surge and wave components in coastal areas

• Advisory Limit to provide the limits of Advisory Information coverage

• Advisory Zone V and Zone A Boundary to approximate the landward limit of the 3-foot breaking 

wave in coastal areas
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 6 of 11

• Advisory LiMWA to approximate the landward limit of the 1.5-foot breaking wave and the 

associated Area of Moderate Wave Action (MOWA) to approximate the extent of breaking waves 

less than 3 feet but greater than 1.5 feet in height in coastal areas

• Advisory Limit of ABFEs to define the transition of coastal advisory data and riverine Advisory Data

• Storm Event information (i.e. HWM, debris lines, gage data, surge contours, model results, or other 

information) 

• 1-percent-annual-chance and 0.2-percent-annual-chance Depth Grids

• Multi-Profile Water Surface Elevation Grids (for use in online displays or for informational purposes)

• Areas of Expanded or Reduced Flood Risk (i.e., Changes Since Last FIRM)

• ABFE Water Surface Elevation Profiles

• 1-percent-annual-chance Velocity Grids

• An ABFE + 2 feet layer to assist federal, state, tribes, and local officials for recovery planning

• An ABFE + “n” feet layer to depict flood elevations from larger storms or future sea level rise 

scenarios

• Burn area flood hazard information

• Post-event wildfire, debris flow, alluvial fan, and increased flooding maps

• Erosion corridors or landslide zones

• Primary Frontal Dune location and relative size

• Other advisory information as needed

Step 4: Engaging With States and Communities

If there is a need (Step 1), coupled with a lack of sufficient information to effectively support recovery 

(Step 2), and an understanding of the type and format of Advisory Flood Hazard Information that might 

be issued (Step 3), then the final step is to determine the extent to which the information is desired and 

how the data will be received and understood by the state, tribes, and local officials. This can be 

impacted by timing, coverage area, stakeholder understanding of the adequacy of the Effective or

Preliminary FIRMs and FIS, and support of Advisory Flood Hazard Information. 

The timeline to data availability is one of the most important factors impacting the decision to develop 

Advisory Flood Hazard Information. If there is no FEMA flood hazard study or data available from other 

sources in the affected area, the time needed to produce the Advisory Flood Hazard Information may 

impact timelines such that the data are not available during recovery operations. Data development 

timelines must be discussed among state, communities, academic, or other federal agencies to 

determine if Advisory Flood Hazard Information should be addressed in the next map update. 

The limit and extent of possible Advisory Flood Hazard Information will be reviewed. The coverage area 

should include only those areas impacted significantly, as identified in Step 1. Producing Advisory Flood 

Hazard Information for areas outside the significantly-impacted locations is not an efficient use of 

resources. For example, hurricanes can have major impacts but frequently only in relatively specific

geographic locations, so a decision to develop Advisory Flood Hazard Information for the entire coast of 

a state may be unnecessary. 

FEMA will research Stakeholder perception of the adequacy of the Effective or Preliminary FIRMs and 

FIS with respect to the flood event’s actual frequency. This may be informed by the assessment 

completed in Step 2. 
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 7 of 11

In heavily impacted areas that may require Advisory Flood Hazard Information, feedback from 

stakeholders should also be considered in order to determine whether or not Advisory information is 

needed, and if so, where it is most needed, what format it should take, and how it will be utilized. 

FEMA will evaluate State, tribal, and local input and interest in Advisory Flood Hazard Information. If the 

state and/or tribes and affected communities request such information, it is more likely to be received 

positively and used on the local level. The level of interest in/willingness to adopt the Advisory Flood 

Hazard Information including ABFEs for rebuilding purposes is also an important factor. 

II. Final Decision

Focusing on the availability of data and timeliness to develop information, the FEMA Regional Office 

(Regional Administrator and Mitigation Division, Risk Analysis Branch) shall collaborate with the Federal 

Coordinating Officer (FCO) and Hazard Mitigation Branch Director (and other appropriate staff) at the 

Joint Field Office (JFO), the State Coordinating Officer (SCO), and tribal and/or local jurisdictions to 

determine the need for Advisory Flood Hazard Information to support recovery.

The decision to not develop new Advisory Flood Hazard Information shall be made by the Regional 

Administrator and Mitigation Division, Risk Analysis Branch, in consultation with the FCO and SCO. The 

decision to develop new Advisory Flood Hazard Information shall require approval by the Deputy 

Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation.

If the development of Advisory Flood Hazard Information and associated products will be funded by 

the Disaster Fund through the JFO, then concurrence from the FCO is essential.

It is important to document the reasons for (or against) the development of Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information. The team members shall document:

• Available data and on-going study information for the disaster-effected area

• Areas of interest/concern to review for possible Advisory Flood Hazard Information preparation

• Preliminary and Effective FIRM dates

• Available data that could be used to prepare Advisory Flood Hazard Information

• Local, tribal, Regional, and state inputs and considerations for Advisory Flood Hazard Information 

preparation

• Data timeline for Advisory Flood Hazard Information to aid discussions

• Final decision regarding Advisory Flood Hazard Information preparation

Consider conducting a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to assist in 

the decision making process to develop Advisory Information and to identify potential communication 

challenges. An example SWOT is provided below: 
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 8 of 11

Sample Strengths Sample Weaknesses Sample Opportunities Sample Threats

High level of support from 

state leadership and local 

communities

Negative perception of 

FEMA/the Federal 

Government

New and enhanced ways 

to share risk information

Communities are trying 

to rebuild quickly and 

Advisory Information 

may slow/complicate 

this process

Political support from 

Congressional 

representatives and other 

locally influential political 

entities

Lack of political support 

from local Congressional 

representatives 

Data sharing can enhance 

transparency and inform 

stakeholders how Advisory 

Information can benefit 

them before release

Lack of support from 

local citizens

Available funding and 

resources in post-disaster 

environment

Timeline: Communities are 

trying to rebuild quickly 

and there is minimal 

state/community support 

to slow the rebuilding 

process 

Community Rating System 

points for regulating to a 

higher standard available 

Confusion about who 

needs flood insurance 

and why

Flood hazard studies are 

already underway 

Challenges for local 

officials to understand 

how to administer 

floodplain management 

regulations in light of 

Advisory Information

Resiliency: now is the time 

to build back stronger

Perception that advisory 

data is only being issued 

due to the magnitude of 

the event, and not 

because it is truly best 

available data on the 1-

percent-annual-chance 

flood 

Effective maps that are 

known by state and local 

entities, and even the 

public, to underestimate 

the 1-percent-annualchance flood hazard

Negative connotations of 

prior Advisory Information 

in other areas

Substantially damaged, 

insured structures outside 

the SFHA may receive 

extra money through 

Increased Cost of 

Compliance to rebuild if 

communities adopt 

Advisory Information

Desire to get Advisory 

Information out quickly 

could result in failure to 

take enough time to get 

all stakeholders on 

board and in support 

before public release of 

the Information

Multiple disaster events in 

the area

Uncertainty inherent in 

the results—the 

impression is that FEMA 

now wants local 

governments to regulate 

to a higher standard than 

the 1-percent-annualchance flood by issuing 

advisory mapping

Increased coordination 

with OFAs/state agencies

The persistent 

discussion of structural 

solutions to protect the 

area could distract from 

the conversation on 

appropriate 

reconstruction 
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 9 of 11

III. Release of Advisory Flood Hazard Information

If the decision is made to produce Advisory Flood Hazard Information, important considerations include 

timing, format and dissemination of the information, stakeholder engagement, and internal messaging 

and preparation. There are also several resources available to assist in the effort to release Advisory 

Flood Hazard Information. 

Timing

If the decision is made to produce Advisory Flood Hazard Information, it is understood that this 

information will need to be produced on an expedited schedule. However, the quality of the advisory 

products cannot be sacrificed to expedite the release of the data. All advisory products will be based on 

sound engineering and science, should leverage any current restudy efforts to the maximum extent 

possible, and must include a consistent and tiered quality review process to ensure product releases are 

of the highest quality and defect free. 

Consider the timing of various activities as short-term, mid-term, and long-term. Examples of each are 

provided below: 

Short-Term (2 weeks post-event, for example): 

• Provide Advisory Flood Hazard Information messaging for FCO, JFO, External Affairs (EA), Public 

Assistance (PA), Mitigation, and other JFO recovery partners. 

• Hold information/education sessions for PA, Mitigation, and other JFO recovery partners as well 

as states, communities, and other entities including elected officials, floodplain administrators, 

insurance professionals, Federal agencies, and other identified stakeholders to inform them 

about the recovery process and how to use the Advisory Flood Hazard Information.

• Identify questions about and provide clear answers to potential recovery policy challenges 

associated with the development and implementation of Advisory Flood Hazard Information.

• Develop an ABFE delivery platform and begin disseminating information and support for users

Mid-Term (2-4 weeks post-event, for example) 

• Develop and provide Advisory Flood Hazard Information to PA, Mitigation, and other JFO 

recovery partners. Allow adequate time to ensure that a defined and consistent quality review 

process has been developed and followed for data development.

• Develop a dataset highlighting the differences between the Effective and Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information (Similar to Changes Since the Last FIRM Risk MAP dataset).

• Provide Advisory Flood Hazard Information and other related products for the project area that 

communities can adopt and enforce for floodplain management purposes and other recovery 

purposes.

• Provide information, messaging, and usage resources. 

Long-Term (4-8 weeks post-event, for example) 

• Provide continuing support to stakeholders as they use the Advisory Flood Hazard Information.

• Provide continuing community support as they adopt and implement Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information to minimize future flood damages. 
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 10 of 11

Format and Dissemination

Consider how best to format and disseminate the information both internally and externally, using 

methods that best serve the communities in the focus area, assist stakeholders in using the data for the 

intended purposes (paper, geospatial, both), and is compatible with the platforms used to disseminate 

the information. Consider using technology to assist in communicating updated risk information, and 

innovative delivery channels to get Advisory Flood Hazard Information into the hands of key audiences. 

These could include online tools for locating a property and determining its ABFE vs. effective BFE or 

other options. In addition, a product similar to the Changes Since the Last FIRM can help to visually and 

spatially identify areas of greatest concern. Consider using the FEMA geoportal or other state, regional, 

or partner websites and/or viewers if possible. 

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder and community engagement is extremely important when delivering Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information. An Advisory Information Team consisting of key staff from FEMA Headquarters, the FEMA 

Regional Office, and the JFO staff, as well as state staff (NFIP State Coordinator, State Hazard Mitigation 

Officer, Emergency Management Staff, and other partners) will be considered. The Advisory Information 

Team must prioritize and plan for community engagement throughout the project timeline. Many preexisting relationships are likely to exist and should be leveraged for these efforts. The Team will identify 

existing community engagement contacts and relationships, tools, and other resources through 

coordination with the Region and flood hazard mapping project teams, if applicable. Internally, assign 

and prepare team members to engage key community stakeholders and decision-makers, and 

implement an approach to engaging communities that will increase understanding, acceptance, and 

productive use of the information.

Conduct meetings and other consultative visits/contacts with states and communities before, during, 

and after releasing Advisory Flood Hazard Information to raise their awareness, understanding, and use 

of the information in making building decisions during recovery. Engage multiple community 

stakeholders to build their understanding of Advisory Flood Hazard Information to inform responsible 

recovery decisions. Identify and leverage existing relationships to validate and assist with the 

dissemination of Advisory Information.

Establish continuity of engagement with key community stakeholders, providing clear, consistent, 

simplified communication to generate positive interest in Advisory Flood Hazard Information within a 

broad group of stakeholders. 

Along with the Advisory Flood Hazard Products themselves, develop and include consistent information 

about the products and how they can be used (key messaging, fact sheets, user guides, web content, 

engagement scripts, and other needed items) before and during their release. Identifying the audiences 

for Advisory Flood Hazard Information and understanding their needs will assist in the development of 

Advisory Flood Hazard Information and accompanying messaging that meet these needs. Include 

specific information about the products in your communication and messaging plan, such as whether 

the datum is different from the current effective information and datum conversion information, if 

necessary, so that stakeholders can more easily discern the most conservative information if required 

by their program.
Attachment A.4: Advisory Flood Hazard Information

Attachment A.4

Page 11 of 11

Team members must be well-versed in the Advisory Flood Hazard Information to ensure 

communications with stakeholders is clear, honest, consistent, and transparent. Stakeholder 

engagement should seek to ensure that states and communities have the same understanding and 

support of the Advisory Flood Hazard Information. 

In addition, team members must plan for community and stakeholder input once the data is released, 

including a detailed and systematic approach that allows a community to comment and/or change the 

data. Communities and others may be able to identify problems or issues with the data that can be 

quickly revised or updated, especially if the data is delivered in an online format and updates are easily 

made. 

To ensure appropriate messaging, teams will familiarize themselves with best practices and lessons 

learned to communicate risk in areas where FEMA has previously developed Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information. 

Internal Messaging

Internal messaging and communications is just as important as external messaging and communications. 

Assuring that all internal parties have the same information and are providing the same consistent 

messages is an important consideration. It is important to build an understanding of the data availability 

and use within the JFO, Region and Headquarters. Review the need for internal communications and 

trainings across the teams within the JFO to best support the data roll out. Include state staff and others 

who will be in regular communication with affected communities and assure that these staff have the 

most up to date information that has been released. Environmental and Historic Preservation, Hazard 

Performance Analysis, Community Education and Outreach, and Floodplain Management and Insurance

groups within the JFO are important to supporting the data release and successful implementation of 

Advisory Flood Hazard Information. 

Resources

The development of Advisory Flood Hazard Information is often an iterative process. If the decision is

made to produce Advisory Flood Hazard Information, several resources are available including the 

Hazard Mitigation Field Operations Guide, which includes templates of presentations and provides 

guidance on Advisory Flood Hazard Information roll-out strategies. Other resources include best 

practices from past data releases of Advisory Flood Hazard Information that detail format and content 

examples; implementation plans; internal and external communications plans and messaging; methods 

to obtain stakeholder comments on the data; template presentations, sample emails, letters, and media 

materials; task force/team development considerations and approaches; business cards, trifolds, fact 

sheets, tough questions, checklists, and other materials. In addition, a communications and 

implementation plan has proven beneficial in past Advisory Information releases and should be 

consulted to identify additional best practices and updated presentation contents. These and other 

materials are available on https://rmd.msc.fema.gov/.