Flood Map Modernization
New Flood Maps: New Insurance Requirements
To review the most recent FEMA issued flood maps, please click the following:
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS (FIRM)
PUBLIC NOTICE
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for coastal areas of Kent County, Rhode Island
(All Jurisdictions)
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Kent County, Rhode Island (All Jurisdictions). These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Kent County, Rhode Island (All Jurisdictions). These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period (Beginning on or about October 16, 2014) provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).
COPIES OF THE DRAFT MAPS are available for review in the Warwick Building Department during normal business hours; Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. City Hall Annex 2nd floor, 3275 Post Road Warwick, Rhode Island.
Digital Copies of all Kent County Preliminary Maps are available at: www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe and below as pdfs.
44003C0014H.pdf 44003C0018H.pdf 44003C0019J.pdf 44003C0109H.pdf 44003C0117H.pdf 44003C0126H.pdf
44003C0127H.pdf 44003C0128H.pdf 44003C0129J.pdf 44003CV000C.pdf FEMA 90 Day Appeal Notice.pdf
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) nationwide Flood Map Modernization (Map Mod) effort to update the current flood hazard maps is resulting in more reliable, easier-to-use, readily available Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs). Consequently, residents and business owners are able to obtain updated information about their current flood risks. In some cases, a property may be mapped into a lower risk zone; for others, a property's risk may change from a low- or moderate-risk area to a highrisk area. Other changes could include a change in high-risk area designation (e.g. from a zone beginning with the letter “A” to a zone beginning with the letter “V”) or a change in the Base Flood Elevation
(BFE).
Being mapped into a higher risk zone or a change in BFE can result in an increase in flood insurance premium. It is important that property owners understand their options following changes to their community’s DFIRMs. To recognize property owners that owned a policy before the maps became effective, or built to the correct standards relative to the flood map in effect at the time of construction, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has “Grandfather” rules to allow these property owners to benefit in the flood insurance rating of their building.
This rating results in a cost savings to policyholders compared to a potential higher premium rate that results from a map revision.
Pre-FIRM Buildings Have One Opportunity
A pre-Flood Insurance Rate Map (pre-FIRM) building is one that was constructed prior to the date of the community’s first FIRM. In most cases, owners of pre-FIRM buildings have just one opportunity to use the grandfathering rule, which is before the new DFIRMs become effective. If a policy is obtained prior to the effective date of a map change, the policyholder is eligible to maintain the prior zone and Base Flood Elevation (BFE), as long as continuous coverage is maintained going forward. Continuity of coverage can be maintained even if the building is sold, as the policy can be assigned to a new owner at the option of the policyholder. There is a 30-day waiting period for a policy to become effective when purchasing a
policy that is not required by a lender.
The benefits of grandfathering by this method apply as long as the policy is purchased before the DFIRM effective date.
Flood Map Modernization
Why is Warwick getting new flood maps?
Saving on Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance and the Grandfather Rule
FAQs
Preliminary Brochure
Flood Insurance Reform: What it Means for New England
About the NFIP
Flood Insurance - How it Works
Ten Consumer Facts
Answers to Tough Questions
Flood Plain Management in RI
Q & A for Real Estate Professionals
Flood Preparedness and Response
What are the flood risks?
Flood Preparation & Safety
After the Flood
Managing Flood Insurance Claims
Flood Insurance Claims Handbook
For more information, please visit FEMA’s Map Modernization website.
You may also review the current status of Rhode Island's Flood Maps.
Additional information on Flood Map Modernization in Warwick, Rhode Island
Transition to Digital Flood Data
Flood Insurance Rate Map Data Accuracy
NFIP Grandfather Rules - Fact sheet for insurance agents
Questions and Answers - Information for property owners remapped into a special flood hazard area
FEMA Legal Notice
FEMA Community Notice
Federal Register Notice