The Georgia Flood MAP Program is here to help you understand more about why and how communities in the State of Georgia manage floodplains to protect people and property. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is based on an agreement between the Federal government and participating communities that if the community adopts and enforces adequate floodplain management regulations, the Federal government makes flood insurance available to residents. These include minimum building design and construction standards for structures located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Through their floodplain management ordinances, communities adopt the NFIP design performance standards for buildings located in floodprone areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) encourages communities to adopt floodplain management ordinances that exceed the minimum NFIP criteria. In some instances, the State of Georgia has exceeded these minimum requirements. The State of Georgia has available both Coastal and Riverine model floodplain ordinances.
Why Do Communities Regulate the Floodplain?
To protect people and property. Floodplain management is about building smart. If we know where our high risk flood areas are located, we should be able to make reasonable decisions to help protect our families, homes, and businesses.
To make sure that Federal flood insurance and disaster assistance are available. Federal flood insurance is available only in communities that agree to regulate floodplain development. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If your home or business is in the floodplain, and Federal flood insurance isn’t available, then you can’t get some types of Federal financial assistance. Home mortgages will be hard to find and you won’t be able to get some types of State and Federal loans and grants.
To save tax dollars. Every flood disaster affects your community’s budget. If we build smarter in and near floodplains, we’ll have fewer problems the next time the water rises. Remember, Federal disaster assistance isn’t available for all floods. And even when the President declares a disaster, most of the time your community still has to pay a portion of the costs of evacuation, temporary housing, repair, and clean-up.
To avoid liability and lawsuits. If we know an area is mapped as a high-risk flood area, if we know people could be in danger, and if we know that buildings could be damaged, it makes sense to take reasonable protective steps when we develop and build.
To reduce future flood losses in Georgia. Development that complies with the minimum floodplain management requirements is better protected against major flood-related damage.
