Why is there a requirement to purchase flood insurance in communities that have not suffered flooding in many years or ever?
A major purpose of the NFIP is to alert communities to the danger of flooding and to assist them in reducing potential property losses from flooding. Therefore, FEMA determines flood risk through the use of all available information for each community. Historical flood data are only one element used in determining flood risk. More critical determinations can be made by evaluating the community’s rainfall and river flow data, topography, wind velocity, tidal surge, flood control measures, development (existing and planned), community maps, and other data.
