Study Status and Description Explanations
To determine what the flood hazards are for an area, FEMA performs an engineering study called a Flood Insurance Study (FIS). An FIS studies shallow flood areas and flood hazard areas along rivers, streams, coasts, and lakes.
An FIS is based on different information, including:- Historic information (such as riverflow, storm tide, and rainfall data);
- Meteorologic data;
- Topographic data;
- Hydrologic data;
- Hydraulic data;
- Open-space conditions;
- Flood-control works, and
- Development.
The results of the FIS are shown on FEMA’s flood maps called Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs, and in the accompanying description of the study called an FIS report. FIRMs and FIS reports are available through the Map Service Center.
Before the results of an FIS are shown on a legally adopted FIRM, there are certain procedural steps that a FIRM goes through as part of the adoption process. The table below describes these steps
| STATUS | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Sent | The preliminary FIS and FIRM have been sent to the community for review and comment. |
| Final CCO Meeting Held | The meeting at which the preliminary results of a Flood Insurance Study are reviewed and discussed with community officials. |
| Appeal Period Started Appeal Period Ended Appeal Received Appeal Resolved |
An appeal is a formal objection to proposed base flood elevations, submitted by a community or individual resident during the 90-day appeal period. Appeals are based on data that show the proposed base flood elevations are scientifically or technically incorrect. The 90-day appeal period is the statutory period, beginning on the date of second publication of the proposed BFEs in the local newspaper, during which community officials and individual residents may appeal proposed BFEs. |
| Final Letter Sent | The Letter of Final Determination (LFD) is sent to the community. The letter is the final determination of BFEs made after the 90-day appeal period has ended and all appeals have been resolved. Final BFE determinations are published in the Federal Register. |
| Effective Date | The date on which the National Flood Insurance Program map for a community goes into effect and all legal sanctions of the National Flood Insurance Program apply. |
Last Modified: Thursday, 18-Jan-2007 15:21:08 EST