Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are official documents created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that show areas at risk of flooding. They identify zones with different levels of flood risk, helping people, businesses, and governments understand where floods are more likely to occur. FIRMs are used to determine flood insurance requirements and to guide land use planning. The maps are based on detailed studies of rainfall, geography, and flood history, providing a visual representation of flood hazards to support informed decision-making and safety preparedness.