Flood Map Open Houses are a great chance for community members to talk with FEMA and their local officials about flood risk. Community members can also learn how FEMA, their state and other partners can help them reduce risk.
A Flood Map Open House shows residents how the preliminary version of their updated flood map may affect their property and then connects them with available support resources.
Open Houses in Your Region
Flood Map Open Houses are currently being held online for cities and counties across the U.S. Find an open house being held for your location, or browse resources from past events.
Find an Open House
What is a Flood Map Open House?
Flood risks change over time because of new building and development, weather patterns, and other factors. FEMA works with federal, state, tribal and local partners to identify flood risk and promote informed planning and development practices to help reduce that flood risk through the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program. Updating flood hazard maps and the Flood Insurance Study is multi-year effort that goes through several phases.
One phase involves delivering preliminary flood maps to the communities for their review and comments. A Flood Map Open House is sometimes held for residents and business owners to learn more about:
- How your flood risk may have changed
- Possible impacts on flood insurance requirements and costs
- What to do if you disagree with the preliminary maps
During the event, attendees can also meet one-on-one with a mapping or insurance specialist, or a local FEMA representative.
Learn More About Your Flood Risk
If you're unable to attend an online or in-person Flood Map Open House, we have information here on FEMA's website to walk you through the topics discussed at the open houses.
What do the current flood maps say about my flood risk? The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a geospatial database that contains current effective flood hazard data.
Flood Map Changes Viewer (FMCV)
Property owners need to know how the flood risk may have changed for their property. FEMA's Flood Map Changes Viewer (FMCV) shows what areas have increased in flood risk and which ones have decreased on the new preliminary flood map.
Download tips and instructions for using the tool.
Go to the Flood Map Changes Viewer
Community Members' Guide to Initiating Map Revisions
When a preliminary flood map is released, learn how to:
- Identify your flood risk
- Review the potential impacts on your flood insurance
- Understand the options if you disagree
Go to the Community Members' Guide
