flood information
National Flood Insurance Program
Did you know?
- Floods are the most common hazard in the US.
- Most homeowners’ insurance doesn't cover flood damage.
- Flood insurance is required on any structure that is financed through a federally backed mortgage or loan.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a Federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance protection against losses from flooding. The program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Under the National Flood Insurance Act (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) federally supervised, approved, regulated or insured financial institutions must require flood insurances as a condition of making, increasing, extending or renewing loans on improved real estate property or mobile homes located in identified special flood hazard areas. This applies to conventional home mortgage loans, home improvement loans, construction loans, commercial loans, etc.
FEMA makes federally guaranteed flood insurance available to property owners in communities that voluntarily adopt and enforce the NFIP’s floodplain management requirements. Nationwide, almost 20,000 communities have joined the Program. The City of Altamonte Springs has adopted many of the practices recommended by the NFIP and is rated as an 8 through the Community Rating System (CRS). As a result, Altamonte Springs homeowners are entitled to a discount on federal flood insurance.
Federal flood insurance protects homes, businesses, and belongings from damage caused by flooding. It covers:
- Structural elements, including walls, floors, equipment and fixtures.
- Contents such as furniture, appliances and carpeting.
- Personal items like clothing, stereos and televisions.
How do I know if my property is located in the floodplain?
Determination of whether your property is located in a floodplain is based on the most recent Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The FIRM is the official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the special hazard areas applicable to the community. In September 2007, after a community map modernization process, new FIRMs were issued for the City of Altamonte Springs.
Who uses the FIRM?
- Private citizens and insurance brokers use the FIRM to locate properties and buildings in flood insurance risk areas.
- Community officials use the FIRM to administer floodplain management regulations and to mitigate flood damage.
- Lending institutions and federal agencies use the FIRM to locate properties and buildings in relation to mapped flood hazards, and to determine whether flood insurance is required when making loans or providing grants following a disaster for the purchase or construction of a building.
Where can I view the FIRMs?
- Through FEMA’s Map Service Center website.
- By calling the City’s Public Works Department at 407-571-8331.
- By visiting the City’s library located at 281 Maitland Avenue
How do I read a FIRM?
How to Read A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Tutorial
This tutorial educates users on the use and application of FEMA FIRMs. Each component of the FIRM is explored. The tutorial includes a section that contains examples of getting specific information from FIRMs. If you experience problems navigating FEMA’s Map Service Center, please call our office at 407-571-8331. City personnel are available to assist you with using the website or provide map information to you.
How can I change or correct a FIRM?
FEMA has established administrative procedures for changing effective FIRMs based on new or revised scientific or technical data.
How do I obtain flood insurance?
First, you can ask your current homeowner insurance company. If you would like to shop around for rates, you can visit the following website for a listing of local insurance agents, www.floodsmart.gov or by calling 1-800-427-2419. Be sure to request the discount for being a City resident.
The following links provide additional useful information related to flood issues:
Preparing for a Flood
- FEMA: Are you ready? A guide to prepare for flooding.
- Red Cross: General disaster preparedness.
- Red Cross: Preparedness Fast Facts.
Property Protection Measures
- FEMA: Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage.
- FEMA: Information and Guidance on Building Safer
- Institute for Business and Home Safety: Protecting from Water Damage
Flood Insurance
FEMA: Myths and Facts about the NFIP
Post-Flood Recovery
Red Cross: Recover After a Disaster
FEMA: Rebuilding Resources
FEMA: What should I do after a flood?
For More Information, Contact:
Danielle Marshall @ 407-571-8331
E-mail dmarshall@altamonte.org
