Floodplain Managers

The work of Floodplain Managers is fundamental to the effective management of floodplain resources and flood mitigation. The following is an overview of the flood hazard mapping resources (products, services, and publications) that FEMA makes available to state and local floodplain managers and other state and local officials. These resources include information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations, FEMA Letter of Map Change (LOMC) processes, FEMA guidelines and guidance documents, and training.

Fast Facts

Through the implementation of local floodplain ordinances alone, approximately $1.1 billion in flood damages are prevented annually. Approximately 38 percent of all National Flood Insurance Program claims are repetitive loss claims. Residents in communities that participate in the Community Rating System may receive up to a 45 percent premium discount on their flood insurance policies.

Risk MAP Flood Risk Products

Know your local flood risk by viewing and downloading your community’s flood risk products from FEMA’s Map Service Center (MSC) Product Catalog. Flood risk products are non-regulatory resources that help communities gain a better understanding of flood risk and its potential impacts. FEMA provides these products in addition to the regulatory Flood Insurance Rate Map and Flood Insurance Study report. Flood risk products may include a Flood Risk Map (FRM), Flood Risk Report (FRR), and Flood Risk Database (FRD).

For more information, go to FEMA’s Risk MAP Flood Risk Products webpage.

Online Letter of Map Change (LOMC)

FEMA's Online LOMC is an internet-based tool that allows applicants to easily request map Amendments or Revisions. It is a convenient way for applicants to upload all information and supporting documentation and check the status of their application online. Users can submit LOMC requests and pay any associated fees through this tool instead of filing the MT-EZ, MT-1, or MT-2 paper forms submitted through the mail.

Community Preliminary Flood Hazard Data

FEMA has launched a new way to view your community’s preliminary flood hazard data—over the web and in one convenient location! Preliminary flood hazard data provide an early look at your home or community’s flood hazards. There are many benefits to viewing your community’s data before it becomes effective. For more information, visit the Preliminary Flood Hazard Data webpage.

LOMC Clearinghouse

FEMA’s LOMC Clearinghouse centralizes the administrative functions associated with processing MT-EZ, MT-1, and MT-2 requests. Specific activities include the creation of LOMC case files, uploading and scanning of data, processing associated fees, and distribution of LOMC requests to the appropriate location for review.

When submitting paper applications, requestors should mail their applications and supporting data to:

LOMC Clearinghouse
847 South Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304-4605
Attn: LOMC Manager

For more information about the LOMC Clearinghouse, please contact the FEMA Map Information eXchange.

How to View and Obtain Flood Maps

Your local Community Map Repository, usually located in the planning and zoning office, has copies of flood maps. However, you may also view and order additional copies of the effective maps and other NFIP products through the FEMA Map Service Center. Please contact a Map Specialist at the FEMA Map Information eXchange for more information.

Check the Status of a Map Change Request

You can view recent priority map changes and check the Status of Map Change Requests.

Letters of Map Revision

View and download the required FEMA forms, including application forms for conditional and final Letters of Map Amendment, Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill, and Letters of Map Revision on the Forms page.

Ordering Technical and Administrative Support Data

You can order by mail or facsimile a variety of technical and administrative support data for studies, map revisions, and map amendments.

View Hazard Models

The Hazards U.S. Multi-Hazard (HAZUS-MH) is a nationally applicable standardized methodology and software program that estimates potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricane winds. FEMA developed HAZUS-MH under contract with the National Institute of Building Sciences. The following HAZUS models are available:

What's New in Flood Hazard Mapping?

Keep up with the latest developments and find out What's New in Flood Hazard Mapping.

Guidance Documents

Useful Resources and Tools

Resources

References and Tools

Other Related Federal Agencies and Associations

You can find additional information in the Floodplain Management section of the FEMA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Go to Frequently Asked Questions for Floodplain Managers.

For More Information

For flood insurance-related questions, contact FloodSmart at 1-888-379-9531. For flood mapping-related questions, please contact a Map Specialist at the FEMA Map Information eXchange through the following methods:

Call (1-877) FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm (EST)
Email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
Chat with a Map Specialist, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)

Floodplain managers may also subscribe to receive updates on FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping activities via e-mail.

Last Updated:

11/25/2016 - 13:47