April 2023 1

Risk MAP Phase 3: 

Preliminary Flood Map Release

GOAL: COMMUNICATE RISK 

FEMA is responsible for mapping our country's flood risk. The agency and its partners do this by making Flood 

Insurance Rate Maps, or flood maps. Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning, Risk MAP, is the process used to

make these maps. However, Risk MAP creates much more than flood maps. It leads to more datasets, hazard 

mitigation analysis and communication tools. Each supports communities as they work to be resilient. This fact 

sheet describes the third phase of the Risk MAP process – Preliminary Flood Map Release.

Figure 1 - The Four Phases of the Risk MAP Process

Overview

The Risk MAP project team first resolves comments on the draft work map and database. Then, your community 

receives a preliminary flood map and supporting preliminary flood hazard data for review and comment. This

preliminary flood map reflects the team’s analysis of your community’s likely risk to flood hazards. It also includes 

the local information and knowledge shared earlier in the study. At this time, residents and other members of the 

public get a “first look” at the updated flood maps. They learn about their current flood risk. This is a major 

milestone for all members of the community. As such, the Risk MAP project team schedules two meetings. The 

Community Coordination and Outreach (CCO) Meeting is for local officials; the Flood Risk Open House is for 

residents. The goal of both meetings is to help make sure everyone understands the maps, in terms of the area’s 

updated flood risks. These meetings also help to share information, resources and guidance on how to reduce these 

risks.

Key Activities

Issuance of the preliminary flood map (and other regulatory mapping products) – The Risk MAP project team sends 

the preliminary flood map and other regulatory mapping products to your community for its review and comment. 

This happens about 30 days before the products are available to residents and other members of the public.
Risk MAP Phase 3: Preliminary FIRM Release 

Learn more at fema.gov April 2023 2 

CCO Meeting – With the preliminary flood map soon to be released to the public, the CCO Meeting offers all local 

officials a chance to learn the purpose and benefits of the new mapping data, resources and tools. It also provides 

them with communication resources. These resources can help them engage residents and talk about updated 

risks. They also teach residents what they can do to reduce these risks. 

Flood Risk Open House – The Risk MAP project team hosts the Open House with help from the community. This is 

where residents and other members of the public can learn more about the area’s updated flood risk. It includes 

seeing how the new maps may change the flood insurance requirements for some properties. 

90-Day Appeal and Comment Period – Your community’s formal appeal and comment period starts after the CCO

and Flood Risk Open House meetings. During this 90-day period, local officials and leaders can share data to revise 

or appeal the preliminary flood map. Such data must show that the map is scientifically or technically incorrect. The 

Risk MAP project team will carefully review any appeals. If needed, the team will change the preliminary flood map. 

Actions YOU Can Take in Your Community 

With the release of the preliminary flood map, many of your residents will want to know as much as they can about 

what it shows. They will also want to know what the updated map will mean for them. Now is the time to share flood 

risk information and ways for people to reduce their risk. With this in mind, we encourage you to: 

▪ Work with local leaders to use the many Risk MAP Flood Risk Products. These tools can help you explain risk to

property owners. They can also help you plan for future development, evaluate evacuation routes and critical

infrastructure, and more.

▪ Encourage residents to review flood insurance coverage options with their insurance agent.

▪ Make sure residents know about the Flood Risk Open House. Share flood risk details and event information on

your government or community website.

▪ Use social media to reach out to residents and other public audiences. This can help to teach them about the

updated maps and where they can find more information.

▪ Take extra steps to share flood risk information. Consider using community meetings, newsletters and events,

local stores, and public buildings.

Know your risk. Know your role. Take action! 

Everyone has a role when it comes to reducing flood risk. Community leadership and visibility can be powerful 

assets when promoting flood risk awareness and actions. These actions help your community become safer, 

stronger and more resilient.