Floods are among the most common disasters in the United States, but most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
The level of risk of flood depends on where you live. To learn whether your property is in a low, moderate or high risk area, you can complete a One-Step Flood Risk Profile or review the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for your area. FloodSmart.gov includes several flood risk scenarios that highlight factors that can impact different areas.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), created in 1968, offers flood insurance to individuals and business owners if their communities participate in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management standards.
Community constituents receive discounted insurance rates based on actions the community has taken to reduce flood risks. The discounts are also reflected in policies on community-owned buildings. The Community Rating System (CRS) is the program through which communities earn those discounts for their constituents.
To earn discounts, communities implement and provide proof of their local mitigation, outreach and educational activities that go beyond minimum NFIP requirements. You can review the status of communities in your state by visiting FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program Community Status Book.
Learn more about the Community Rating System by reviewing StormSmart Coasts CRS Primer.
