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              Risk MAP
                          Risk MAP

                      Lifecycle of a Risk MAP Project
                  
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
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          Lifecycle of a Risk MAP Project
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In the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program, each flood risk project is tailored to the needs and capabilities of each affected community and may involve different steps, products and services. This page outlines the major steps in a typical flood risk project. For all projects, a strong emphasis is placed on community engagement and partnerships to ensure a whole community approach to reducing flood risk and building more resilient and sustainable communities.



alert - infoView a collection of Risk MAP success stories.



Project Planning



Selecting the Project Area



First, with input from state and local leaders, a watershed is reviewed to determine if there may be a need for new or updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) or other flood risk products. This decision is based on the current flood risk in the area, available data, increases in development, population affected and other related factors.



Learn about the Coordinated Needs Management Strategy and how it aids in this process.



The Discovery Process



Next, FEMA, state and local leaders collect current and historic flood-related data and then meet to review this data, as part of the discovery process to get a complete picture of the area’s flood risk. This information helps determine whether a flood risk project is actually needed and, if so, what the scope of the project will be.



View a success story about project planning.



Mapping And Data



Data and Product Development



Once a flood risk project is initiated, FEMA and its mapping partners move forward with preparing the data, maps and flood risk products. These may include the regulatory Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report used for floodplain management and insurance requirements and non-regulatory flood risk products which can be used by local officials to support mitigation and community planning and public outreach efforts.



FEMA maintains guidelines and standards to support the Risk MAP program, including defining requirements for flood risk analysis and mapping products, Letters of Map Change and other Risk MAP data and product development activities.



The Flood Risk Review Meeting



An optional Flood Risk Review Meeting may be organized to give community officials the chance to review and provide early feedback on draft versions of the preliminary FIRM and FIS report and flood risk products. Using the information provided, community officials can begin identifying mitigation measures for their community and communicating with the public about possible changes in flood risk.



The Resilience Meeting



As communities are reviewing the Risk MAP products delivered, the Resilience Meeting takes 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 flooding in the project area, ways the Risk MAP products can support ongoing risk assessment and planning efforts and work to identify additional ways to reduce flood risk.



View a success story about mapping and data.



Preliminary FIRM Issuance



Distribution of Maps and Data



Preliminary versions of the FIRM and FIS report are delivered to community officials and posted publicly through FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for review and comment.  These products will show new or updated flood hazard data which will affect floodplain development requirements and/or flood insurance rates in communities once effective.



The Consultation Coordination Officer Meeting and Public Open House



After the release of preliminary FIRMs and FIS reports, FEMA holds meetings to present them first to community officials (Consultation Coordination Officer or 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.



The 90-Day Appeal Period



After the 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) can submit data to revise the FIRM if they believe it is scientifically or technically incorrect. FEMA will review all appeals and, if necessary, make changes to the FIRM, based on the information submitted.



View a success story about preliminary firm issuance.



Risk Assessment



Flood Risk Products



Risk MAP provides local officials with flood risk products, including risk assessments using FEMA’s Hazus-MH software, to help them better understand their flood risk, its potential impact and to guide local mitigation and outreach efforts. These products are usually presented during the Flood Risk Review, CCO and/or Resilience Meetings and are available publicly through FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.



View a success story about flood risk products.



Effective FIRM And FIS Report Issuance



After all appeals are resolved, FEMA sends community officials a Letter of Final Determination (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. Once the new FIRM takes effect, it will be available through FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and will affect floodplain development requirements and/or flood insurance rates.



Planning For Mitigation Action



The flood risk products developed as part of a flood risk project are designed to help communities effectively plan to mitigate flood risk. Flood Risk Review, Resilience and CCO Meetings allow FEMA and its partners to provide guidance to local officials to help them identify mitigation opportunities that work for their community.



View a success story about planning for mitigation action.
Last updated July 1, 2021

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