What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) & How Do I Use It?
A FIRM is a map created by the NFIP for floodplain management and insurance purposes. Digital versions of these maps are called DFIRMs.
A FIRM will generally show a community's base flood elevations, flood zones, and floodplain boundaries. As a property owner/renter, you can use this map to get a reliable indication of what flood zone you're in. However, maps are constantly being updated due to changes in geography, construction and mitigation activities, and meteorological events. Therefore, for a truly accurate determination, contact your insurance agent or company, or your community floodplain manager.
Service Center
Visit the FEMA Map Service Center. Upon arrival at the website, on the left side of the page, there is a location where a person can type an address and identify on FIRM Maps the location of the address relative to the identified floodplain.