The Alabama Office of Water Resources (OWR) in partnership with the Alabama Association of Floodplain Managers are pleased to sponsor a 4-day training course for the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS).  This is the same class that is conducted at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, MD.  We are pleased that Alabama was chosen by FEMA Region IV to hold a field deployed version of this class in 2017.

About CRS

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a nationwide initiative of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The CRS recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP standards. Participation in CRS lowers flood insurance premium rates for policyholders within your community.  CRS floodplain management activities enhance public safety, reduce damages to property and public infrastructure, avoid economic disruption and losses, reduce human suffering, and protect the environment. Participating in the CRS provides an incentive to maintain and improve your community’s overall floodplain management program. 

Course Description

The course describes activities eligible for credit under the 2013 CRS Coordinator’s Manual, how a community applies, and how a community modifies an application to improve its classification. The CRS Program underwent significant changes in 2013 and the updated CRS manual will be taught in this course.

Course Objectives

Target Audience

Local and tribal government officials, regional planning officials, NFIP state staff, FEMA regional office staff,  and others interested in learning about the CRS in order to provide technical assistance to communities seeking to apply for CRS credit.