The primary purpose of these publications is to assist engineers, architects, contractors and property owners in locating detailed information on how to design and construct flood damage resistant buildings and structures. Every year flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other type of natural disaster. More than 6 million dwellings and a large number of non-residential buildings are currently located in the nation's 160 million acres of flood prone area. This is accomplished through a local floodplain management ordinance. Over 18,000 communities participate in the NFIP on a voluntary basis.
Flood insurance is made available to property owners in participating communities.
In return, participating communities adopt and enforce land-use and floodplain management ordinances which meet or exceed the minimum NFIP criteria. The minimum NFIP criteria includes requirements on building design and construction in identified flood hazard areas. Participating communities in the NFIP use the FIRM to identify where the construction criteria contained in the local floodplain management ordinance apply. Elevation can be accomplished, for example, through the use of piles, posts, piers, columns or extended foundation walls. A dry floodproofed structure must be designed so that the portion of the structure below the base flood level is watertight.