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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES BUREAU
Community Rating System FAQs
What is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?
In 1968 Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to address both the need for flood insurance and the need to lessen the devastating consequences of flooding.
The goals of the program are twofold:
- to protect communities from potential flood damage through floodplain management, and
- to provide people with flood insurance.
Why did we join the NFIP?
- To make flood insurance available.
- To make the county eligible for financial assistance in the event of a Presidential Declaration of a flooding disaster.
Why do we have Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)?
- Flood insurance rates are based upon the flood risk level using the maps.
- The maps are used in Floodplain Management.
How often are the FIRMs changed?
- There is currently no set schedule.
- The local government will be notified when FEMA begins to update the maps.
- The update process takes about two to three years.
- Preliminary maps are issued to the community for public review and comment one year prior to the planned adoption date.
What does my flood zone designation mean?
- A, AE, AO, AH, VE are high risk flood zones.
- X is a low-to-moderate risk flood zone.
- See www.floodsmart.gov for more information.
What is the NFIP definition of a flood?
In simple terms, a flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry. Here’s the official definition used by the National Flood Insurance Program. A flood is “A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:
- Overflow of inland or tidal waters;
- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
- Mudflow*; or
- Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.”
*Mudflow is defined as “A river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water…”
I’m in flood zone X, so I don’t need flood insurance.. right?
Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. If you live on a hill or in an area that has never been flooded, you may still be at some level of risk.
Everyone is in a flood risk area, what’s yours?
Every property in Escambia County in a flood zone. Flood risk falls into two categories:
What is the Community Rating System?
The Community Rating System is a point system program that reduces flood insurance premiums for the citizens of participating communities.
What is the current class rating for Escambia County?
Class 7.
What benefits do flood insurance policy holders get because of our CRS rating?
- Flood insurance discounts
- Better protection from flooding
How do I get the CRS discount on my flood insurance policy?
Nothing, it should be automatically applied to the policy.
What is the county doing to increase our rating?
- We are reviewing currently credited activities to see if addition points may be be awarded.
- We are also reviewing various ongoing County activities to see if they are eligible for credit.
For more information on the Community Rating System, please email Tamara Hansen, CFM or call (850) 595-3635. |
