F
F
L
L
O
O
O
O
D
D
I
I
N
N
S
S
U
U
R
R
A
A
N
N
C
C
E
E
A
A
N
N
D
D
F
F
L
L
O
O
O
O
D
D
M
M
A
A
P
P
S
S
B a c k g r o u n d
When the State of Georgia embarked on its Flood Map Modernization Program, 20% of the State
did not have flood maps and 32% of the State had flood maps 15 years or older. Nationwide, about
70% of the flood maps were ten years or older. As part of the national Map Modernization effort,
the State of Georgia teamed with FEMA to produce updated flood maps more quickly, in a digital
format, and provide users easier access to the flood hazard data. As a result, Georgia’s Flood Map
Modernization Program has provided updated digital flood maps and data for all 159 counties in
the state; these maps are more accurate, easier-to-use, and readily available.
Building on the strengths of Map Modernization, FEMA and Georgia have embarked on a new
effort to help communities better assess their flood risk and minimize or avoid damage from future
floods. Through this latest statewide program, Georgia Flood M.A.P. (Mapping, Assessment &
Planning), more accurate and complete flood hazard information will be delivered as well as
information and tools to help communities and their citizens better understand their flood risk and
take action to reduce it.
N E W M A P S M E A N A M O R E R E S I L I E N T S T A T E
By showing the extent to which areas of each county and individual property are at risk for
flooding, the new maps will help guide financial protection, planning, investment, building,
development and renovation decisions.
▪ Residents and business owners will understand their
current
flood risk and be able to make
better decisions about insuring and protecting their property against floods.
▪ Builders and developers can use the updated map data to determine where and how to build
structures more safely and how high to build to reduce the risk of flood damage.
▪ Real estate agents will be better able to inform clients of the risk factors that may affect the
property they are buying or selling as well as any flood insurance requirements.
▪ Insurance agents will know their clients’ current flood risk and can provide more informed
recommendations regarding flood insurance coverage options.
H O W R E S I D E N T S A N D BU S I N E S S A R E A F F E C T E D
With the release of the new flood maps, some property owners will learn that their risk is higher,
or lower, than they thought or that the current base flood elevation
1
by their building will
change. Some property owners with mortgages will then face new flood insurance requirements
while others may find that the requirement has been lifted. Flood insurance is a federally
underwritten program that can help property owners repair or replace their structure and
belongings after a flood.
1
The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the level, in feet above sea level, that flood waters have a 1% annual chance of reaching
or exceeding in any given year. In order to meet federal standards for reducing potential damage from a major flood, a
property’s first floor should be at or above the base flood elevation.
page 2
To help reduce the cost to property owners affected by map changes, the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) provides different rating options. For buildings being newly mapped
into a high-risk zone, the NFIP Newly Mapped Property and “grandfather” rating options could
offer savings compared to what may result from rating based upon the new maps. For buildings
being newly mapped into a moderate- or low-risk zone, the NFIP’s rule of converting an existing
policy to a lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy will provide continued financial protection and a refund
to the property owner. An insurance agent can help determine the best option.
W H E R E C A N I G E T F U R T H E R I N F O R M A T I O N ?
▪ If you have any questions regarding the effects of map changes on insurance requirements,
please contact the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-
2627).
▪ For more information about flood insurance or to find an insurance agent, visit
www.FloodSmart.gov.
▪ To learn more about FEMA’s Risk MAP program, visit www.FEMA.gov/Risk-Mapping-
Assessment-Planning.
▪ To learn more about Georgia’s Flood M.A.P. Program, visit www.GeorgiaDFIRM.com.
If Maps Show…
These Requirements, Options And Savings Apply
Change from moderate
or low flood risk to
high-risk (e.g., flood
Zone B, C, or X to Zone
A, AE, AH, AO, V or VE)
Flood insurance is mandatory. Flood insurance will be federally required for most mortgage
holders. Insurance costs may rise to reflect the true (high) risk.
Rating Options can offer savings. The NFIP has rating options (e.g., Newly Mapped Properties)
which may offer lower rates compared to using the new maps.
Change from high-risk
Zone A or AE to higher-
risk Zone V or VE or
increase in Base Flood
Elevation (BFE)
An increase in risk can result in higher premiums; however, “grandfathering” can offer savings.
The NFIP grandfathering rules allow policyholders who have built in compliance with the flood
map in effect at the time of construction to keep their previous zone or BFE to calculate their
insurance rate. This could result in significant savings.
Change from high flood
risk to moderate or low
risk (e.g., flood Zone A,
AE, AH, AO, to Zone X
or shaded X)
Flood insurance is optional but recommended. The risk has only been reduced, not removed.
Flood insurance can still be obtained, and at lower rates. Nearly 25 percent of all flood insurance
claims and one-third of flood disaster claims come from moderate-to-low-risk areas.
Conversion offers savings. An existing policy can be easily converted to a lower-cost Preferred
Risk Policy, if the building qualifies. Note that lenders always have the option to require flood
insurance in these areas.
No change in
risk level
No change in insurance rates. However, this is a good time to review your coverages and ensure
that your building and contents are adequately insured.
