MAC URISA 2016

Many of the mid-Atlantic Region’s coastal communities are vulnerable to coastal and riverine flooding. Over the last several decades, the population and associated development proximal to waterfront areas has increased dramatically. Through the National Flood Insurance Rate Program (NFIP) FEMA assists communities by providing maps and mapping products that establish baseline floodplain management standards. Since setting baseline standards for structures within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) do not inherently convey the level of risk a flooding event poses within a given area, FEMA Risk Map program provides additional GIS-based mapping products for communities in order assist with effective risk communication, hazard mitigation, and setting local floodplain management standards. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of FEMA’s regulatory and non-regulatory GIS products and to demonstrate how datasets such as depth & analysis grids, areas of mitigation interest (AOMI), and changes since last firm (CSLF) can be used to educate the public to “Know Your Risk, Know Your Role, and Take Action.”