As a real estate professional in New Hampshire, I recently attended a webinar on flood management and mitigation strategies. While informative, it felt somewhat generic and lacked the depth I believe our community deserves. In this blog, I aim to provide a more engaging and comprehensive overview of how we can enhance flood resilience in our region, focusing on practical solutions and resources available to us.

Understanding Flood Risks in New Hampshire

New Hampshire, like many parts of the country, faces significant flood risks. Flooding can occur at any time, impacting not just homes but also critical infrastructure like emergency access routes to facilities such as county nursing homes. It's crucial for us to understand these risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them.

FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS)

One of the most effective tools for managing flood risks is FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS). This voluntary program incentivizes communities to adopt floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements set by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). By participating in the CRS, communities can earn discounts on flood insurance premiums, which can significantly benefit residents.

How Does CRS Work?

Communities assess their current floodplain management practices and submit an application to FEMA detailing their commitment to exceeding minimum requirements. FEMA conducts on-site evaluations to verify submitted information and assigns a CRS classification based on performance. Lower classifications indicate higher levels of flood risk management.

Resources for Flood Mitigation

For communities looking to enhance their flood resilience, several resources are available:

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC): This is the official source for flood hazard information. You can access flood maps, FIRM panels, and other critical data through the MSC.

• FEMA Geospatial Resource Center: Offers disaster response data, maps, and applications that can help communities understand and manage flood risks.

• Local Mitigation Planning Handbook: A valuable tool from FEMA for developing or updating emergency mitigation plans.

• Green Infrastructure Guide: Provides tips on updating water infrastructure to make it more efficient.

• Stormwater Management Resources: Additional resources from ICMA to improve stormwater systems.

Engaging the Community

Effective flood risk management requires community engagement. Here are some strategies to involve residents:

• Public Information Campaigns: Use social media, newsletters, and local events to educate residents about flood risks and mitigation strategies.

• Interactive Content: Utilize webinars, infographics, and videos to make complex concepts more accessible.

• Community Events: Host workshops and guided tours to provide hands-on education about flood risks.

Grants for Flood Mitigation

FEMA offers several grant programs that can help communities fund flood mitigation projects:

• Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program: Supports projects that reduce or eliminate repetitive flood damage.

• Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program: Focuses on broader hazard mitigation efforts, including flood resilience.

Local Resources

In New Hampshire, residents can stay informed about flood risks through resources like Readynh.gov, which serves as the state's official source for emergency information. The National Flood Hazard Layer helps identify high-risk areas, while the Flood Map Changes Viewer shows how floodplains are changing. For information on flood insurance, visit Floodsmart.gov.

Additionally, the Office of Planning and Development with the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs hosts webinars on flood safety and awareness. These events cover topics such as flooding hazards, forecast monitoring, and the benefits of participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Conclusion

Enhancing flood resilience in New Hampshire requires a proactive and community-driven approach. By leveraging resources like the CRS program and engaging residents through education and outreach, we can not only reduce flood risks but also make flood insurance more affordable for our residents. Let's work together to build a safer, more resilient community.

For Further Information:

• FEMA Community Rating System: www.fema.gov/crs

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: msc.fema.gov

• Local Mitigation Planning Handbook: www.fema.gov

• Green Infrastructure Guide: www.epa.gov

• Stormwater Management Resources: www.icma.org

• Readynh.gov: www.readynh.gov

• National Flood Hazard Layer: www.fema.gov

• Flood Map Changes Viewer: msc.fema.gov

• Floodsmart.gov: www.floodsmart.gov

About the Author:

Vanessa L. Saunders
Associate Broker - Keeler Family Realtors
TradeNHomes.com

Feel free to reach out for more information on enhancing flood resilience in your community.