Reference: ADECA
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes floodplain management outreach activities performed by communities that exceed the NFIP minimum standards. CRS, a voluntary program, recognizes these efforts by reducing the cost of flood insurance premiums by 5 to 45 percent for flood insurance policies in communities that participate in the CRS. The CRS recognizes 19 creditable activities that have 94 associated elements under 4 categories: 300-Public Information, 400 Mapping and Regulations, 500-Flood Damage Reduction, and 600-Warning and Response.
Communities can choose to undertake any or all of these activities. Based on the number of credit points received for each activity, a community is ranked in one of ten CRS classes with Class 1 requiring the most credit points and giving the largest premium reduction (Figure 2). A minimum of 500 points is required to join the CRS. Most communities have already implemented activities that will earn credit under the CRS. Additionally, there are Uniform Minimum Credits (UMCs) for certain
state laws, regulations, and standards that support floodplain management.
THE CRS BENEFITS
Over 1,500 communities participate in the CRS nationwide. And, In fact communities may see Flood Insurance rate reductions of 5%-45%.
In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s efforts that address the three goals of the program:
- Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property
- Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program
- Foster comprehensive floodplain management
WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT
Civil Firma (CFE) can assist with all stages of your Floodplain Management project in Alabama and throughout the Southeast.
Numerous communities in Alabama are participating in the CRS and receiving discounted rates including:
Athens, Alabama
Atmore, Alabama
Auburn, Alabama
Baldwin County, Alabama
Birmingham , Alabama
Dauphin Island, Alabama
Decatur, Alabama
Foley, Alabama
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Homewood, Alabama
Hoover, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Madison, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Orange Beach, Alabama
Pell City, Alabama
Prattville, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Wetumpka, Alabama