Skip to main content

Currently Skimming:

7 Understanding and Communicating Flood Risk Behind Levees
Pages 127-144

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 127...
... It involves multiple messages about the nature of risk and other messages, not strictly about risk, that express concerns, opinions, or reactions to risk messages or to legal and institutional arrangements for risk management. Risk communication includes both the risk information itself (messages)
From page 128...
... Risk communication activities include both "regulatory" and "nonregulatory" communication products. Regulatory flood risk communication products are those centered on FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)
From page 129...
... 1 The FIRM is developed using the 1  Title 44, Chapter 1, Code of Federal Regulations (1990) , National Flood Insurance Program (Regulations for Floodplain Management and Flood Hazard Identification)
From page 130...
... is a digital conversion of the paper FIRM that has been updated and georectified. The 1968 National Flood Insurance Act intended that all SFHAs be identified and maps published within 5 years, and that these data be used to establish within 15 years the flood risk zones and associated insurance premium rates based on risks involved and accepted actuarial principles (FEMA, 1995)
From page 131...
... KEY=93429510&IFIT=1 on flood-prone areas remains the FIRM. Private insurers assess exposure and offer flood insurance coverage based on FIRMs.
From page 132...
... CURRENT FLOOD RISK COMMUNICATION EFFORTS Throughout its duration the NFIP and its risk communication strategy continued to evolve toward one that has a more engaged agency working in a shared effort with the many stakeholders that make use of and are impacted by the NFIP. A number of federal agencies, states, local communities, and nongovernmental organizations are actively engaged in flood risk communication efforts that share information about levees directly or indirectly and support the mission of the NFIP in general and risk communication about levees in particular (Table 7-1)
From page 133...
... A Levee Toolkit is available to educate citizens about flood risk associated with living behind a levee and information about flood insurance behind a levee. 4 The toolkit does so by describing three scenarios a community might face: (1)
From page 134...
... The goals for Risk MAP, as identified in the Risk MAP multiyear plan (spanning FY 2010 through FY 2014) , are to Address gaps in flood hazard data to form a solid foundation for flood risk assessments, floodplain management, and actuarial soundness of the NFIP,   1.  Ensure that a measurable increase of the public's awareness and understanding of risk management results in a measurable reduction of current and future vulnerability to flooding,   2.  Lead and support state, local, and tribal communities to effectively engage in risk-based mitigation planning resulting in sustainable actions that reduce or eliminate risk to life and property from natural hazards,   3.  Provide an enhanced digital platform that improves management of limited Risk MAP resources, stewards information produced by Risk MAP, and improves communication and sharing of risk data and related products to all levels of government and the public,   4.  Align Risk Analysis programs and develop synergies to enhance decision-making capabilities through effective risk communication and management." (FEMA, 2009)
From page 135...
... The risk communication efforts of this program include providing risk information to the public from flood damage reduction infrastructure, improving public awareness and understanding of flood hazards and risk, and providing accurate floodplain management information to the public and decision makers. These goals are achieved through an inventory and assessment of levees that are under USACE jurisdiction (the National Levee Database, discussed in Chapter 8)
From page 136...
... CONTEMPORARY FLOOD RISK MAPPING Twenty-first century geospatial information technology has opened the door for vastly improved risk identification and communication. The development of GIS has provided decision makers, land-use planners, floodplain managers, and numerous other parties connected with flood hazard to conduct detailed analyses of the multiple flood scenarios that bring together the built environment with the natural environment to create flood risk.
From page 137...
... and the location of the one percent annual chance floodplain (blue green) from a FEMA map.
From page 138...
... after the completion of the post-Katrina one percent hurricane risk reduction levees. Water surface elevations are mean values, with a sensitivity of ±2 feet.
From page 139...
... At the bottom, a closer view of the town of Floodville shows the different levels of flood risk by area. SOURCE:  Maps courtesy of FEMA Risk MAP.
From page 140...
... This corroborates risk awareness key principle 2, above, that although the mailing was effective at raising flood risk awareness, such awareness doesn't necessarily translate into action, that is, buying an insurance policy. Information Access and Security: The Impact on Risk Communication As discussed throughout this chapter, information regarding levee-related flood risk is becoming more sophisticated and accessible with, for example, actions taken to generate levee inventories and improved mapping.
From page 141...
... A WAY FORWARD Understanding risk perception and evaluations of risk communication efforts sheds light on the importance of local communication and clear messaging, as well as challenges such as the assumption that flood control structures are "safe." Insight gathered at public meetings of this committee indicates that risk communication efforts surrounding NFIP levees have an advantageous window of attention during three situations: (1) after a flood disaster, (2)
From page 142...
... urge property owners to take responsibility for this risk by maintaining a flood insurance policy, and (3) encourage property owners who are no longer subject to the mandatory purchase requirement to continue to carry a flood insurance policy (a preferred risk policy or PRP)
From page 143...
... predefined metrics for assessing the effectiveness in reducing risk as measured by increases in flood insurance policies, increases in the number and type of mitigation activities, improvements in the percentage reductions in NFIP premiums, and reductions in overall losses, among others. FEMA should support evaluation of the success of risk communication efforts, including at the community level when appropriate, that is informed by appropriate assessment tools such as baseline information and predefined metrics.
From page 144...
... 2012. Data on Flood Insurance Purchase and Retention in the City of Sacramento, Memo to the Committee on Levees and the National Flood Insurance Program: Improving Policies and Practices from Tim Washburn, Director of Planning.


This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More information on Chapter Skim is available.