Flood Maps
The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) has entered a new era. The FEMA’s Map Service Center provides multiple ways to access the Flood Information. This is where a FIRMette can be created, the National Flood Hazard Layer, DFIRMs, and the DFIRM database can be downloaded, and where FIRMs and the Flood Insurance Study can be ordered.
Also, keep in mind that each participating community keeps a paper copy of the FIRMs on file in the local floodplain manager's office.
Questions regarding floodplain development should be directed to the Local NFIP Administrators Directory (Adobe PDF File) for your community.
Obtaining the New Effective FIRMs backup data:
Obtaining the backup data for the newly updated FIRMs can be done through the Map Service Center. The information is provided as a digital version of the FEMA flood insurance rate map that is designed for use with digital mapping and analysis software known as the DFIRM Database. To obtain this data you must first become a registered customer. Only registered customers can place orders with the FEMA Map Service Center. Then the information can be ordered by phone, downloaded, or a Map Service Center Order Form can be submitted by fax or mail. All contact information and fees can be found at the Ordering information and a Price List page.
National Flood Hazard Layer:
The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a new product available from the Map Service Center. The NFHL is a computer database that contains the flood hazard map information from FEMA’s Flood Map Modernization program. This map data is from Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) databases and Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs). Products and services include MapViewer - Web, utility files to view the NFHL in Google Earth, a Web Map Service, and NFHL GIS data. All of these are available from the Map Service Center.
Map Modernization:
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources — Flood Mitigation Program has developed a Map Modernization Initiative with FEMA.
Map Modernization County by County Status - (Adobe PDF File)
Related Links:
Some of the files above are provided in the Adobe® PDF format. Adobe® Reader® is required to open these files and is available as a free download from the Adobe® Web site.
