ABSTRACT
The program has three main objectives: reduce flood losses, strengthen accurate insurance ratings, and foster awareness of flood insurance (King, 2013). When communities participate in the CRS, they not only reduce their flood risks they also enjoy discounted premiums (up to 45%) on federally required flood insurance based on their community’s CRS score (see Table 1). To date, over 1200 communities from all 50 states are participating voluntarily in the CRS program, achieving a wide range of ratings (FEMA, 2013). The 19 credited activities to be completed by communities fall into four major categories; public information activities, mapping and regulations, flood damage reduction activities, and warning and response (see Table 2). Public information activities promote the purchase of insurance, advise people about their flood hazards, and provide information on how to reduce risks. Mapping and regulation activities increase the protection to new development, while flood damage reduction activities address the risks present in current structures. Lastly, the warning and response activities are those that prepare communities to respond during flood events (FEMA, 2013).
