FEMA’s Federal Insurance & Mitigation Administration (FIMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the cornerstone of the nation’s strategy for preparing communities for flood disaster. (Learn more about flood insurance at http://www.floodsmart.gov.) NFIP was created to reduce flood damage by identifying risks, encouraging sound floodplain management, and providing a mechanism for the public to insure their investments. FEMA and its governmental partners provide flood hazard data and maps to support flood insurance and floodplain management activities.
To leverage the successes of previous programs and further enhance the usability and value of flood hazard mapping, FEMA developed the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program. Risk MAP combines flood hazard mapping, risk assessment tools and Hazard Mitigation Planning into one program. This integrated program encourages beneficial partnerships and innovative uses of flood hazard and risk assessment data in order to minimize flood loss and build more resilient communities.
While the focus of Risk MAP is on flood hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation, working with communities to help them increase their resilience from all natural hazards is also a goal of the program. Reducing risk to people and property from natural hazards and reducing a community’s long-term vulnerability may present additional opportunities that the community can leverage to create a safer tomorrow.
FEMA is conducting Market Research in preparation of procuring the next Production & Technical Services (PTS) contracts and is investigating new Community Engagement and Risk Communication (CERC) options. Specifically, FEMA is interested in ideas to improve the day-to-day design, execution and management of CERC campaigns, products and services to encourage our nation’s communities to increase awareness and take action to reduce the risk of loss of life and property from floods and natural other hazards. In addition, FEMA is looking at ways to leverage technology to increase efficiency, cost effectiveness and usability in its products and services.
We welcome your thoughts, ideas, or suggestions on any or all of the following topics:
- Community Engagement & Risk Communication
- Process Administration & Letters of Map Change
- Flood Mapping, Risk MAP Products & Risk Assessments
- Risk MAP Challenges
This campaign will close on May 7, 2013.