Our Mission

Our mission is to provide flood information in an easy and accessible format for all to use.

Vision

The vision is for the citizens of South Carolina to have the most reliable flood information so they can make informed decisions for their lives.

About Us

... The mission of the Flood Mitigation Program is to protect lives and property from flood losses. This is accomplished through the program’s responsibility for overseeing the National Flood Insurance Program in South Carolina. The program houses the State Coordinating Office that employs subject matter experts in Floodplain Management to assist South Carolina communities, the Cooperating Technical Partners program that produces the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, and administers the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program that provides grants to communities to minimize future flood losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

View some of the more commonly asked questions we receive

What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)?

A FIRM is a flood map created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance purposes. Digital versions of these maps are called DFIRMs. The map designates the land subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding every year, also called the SFHA. Local floodplain administrators, insurance agents, lenders, and property owners use the flood zones illustrated on flood maps

What do the different flood zone designations mean?

Flood zones are areas that have been identified as being at risk of flooding. Each zone reflects the risk and type of flooding in the area.

What is a flood insurance study (FIS)?

A Flood Insurance Study (FIS) is a compilation and presentation of flood risk data for specific watercourses, lakes, and coastal flood hazard areas within a community. When a flood study is completed for the NFIP, the information and maps are assembled into an FIS. The FIS report contains detailed flood elevation data in flood profiles and data tables.

Does my community have a Local Floodplain Manager?

Yes, all communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program have an identified Floodplain Manager. These individuals are the best source of flood information for your community. Contact List

Can areas outside of the special flood hazard area flood?

Absolutely. Anywhere it rains it can flood. The areas identified on the FIRM as X zones are outside of the special flood hazard area, but still have a risk of flooding.

What is a base flood elevation?

The base flood elevation (BFE) is the estimated depth of water during a 1% chance flood.

How are FIRMs used?

Communities use the maps to set minimum development requirements for the SFHA. The local floodplain managers use the maps to enforce the local floodplain management ordinance. Lenders use them to determine who is required to have flood insurance. Insurance Agents/FEMA use FIRMs to help determine what you should pay for flood insurance.

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