Frequently Asked Questions

Floodplain designations are established or revised when new and more accurate information becomes available because of FEMA-funded restudy or when the community makes the information available to FEMA. Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)  are developed based on statistical analyses of records of river flow, storm tides, and rainfall, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, topographic surveys, and information obtained through consultation with the community. description of the specific methodologies used for given flood source can be located in the  Flood Insurance Study report for your community.

It's possible that you qualify for discount based on your community's participation and status in the Community Rating System program. For more information, visit CRS Ratings and You. Don't see your question? Go to the NFIP?s Answers to Questions  

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.

When the AutoComplete is active, your computer can sometimes insert unwanted information. This can incorrectly insert information into the Name boxes when submitting your Final Exam. To change the AutoComplete settings or to clear the information being stored by this function, please follow the instructions listed below. Click on the Tools button located in your menu bar located at the top of your Internet window. Example: File Edit View Favorites Tools Help. Then choose Internet Options. An Internet Options menu will open in separate window with the General tab information showing. Click on the Content tab. You will notice toward the bottom of this page Personal information section. Click AutoComplete, separate menu will open, which is the settings for AutoComplete. If there is check mark in the Forms box, click to uncheck. This will turn off the AutoComplete. You may still need to clear the stored information from your previous entries made on other forms, click Clear Forms. separate mini-menu will open; click ? OK? to complete Clear Forms. To close all windows opened, and to complete the above task, Click ? OK? for AutoComplete Settings. Then click ? OK? for Internet Options.

There are basically two types of preference eligibles, disabled (10 point preference eligible) and non-disabled (5 point preference eligibles). Read details about these preference types in the Vet Guide on the Office of Personnel Management website.  If you are not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the main source of long-term federalfunding to assist disaster survivors with the recovery process. The most basic form of assistance offered is the low interest loans for owners, renters and businesses to cover repair costs not covered by their insurance. By offering low interest loans, SBA's disaster loan program helps disaster survivors cover repair costs with reasonable repayment options.

The function of the FEMA Reservist Ombuds is to provide dedicated resource for Reservists to discuss, document, address, and elevate systemic issues and concerns with Reservist policy implications. It complements and does not replace the role of the ADR Advisors who will continue to be available to provide all the services they have provided in the past, including building the capacity of Reservists and others in the disaster workforce to manage conflict situations, and assisting in the resolution of disputes as they may arise. 

Information about how disaster declaration is requested is available at the FEMA Declaration Process Fact Sheet Individual Assistance: Assistance for Individuals and Families If your state or county has not received declaration for Individual Assistance local resources may be available to you. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, you may want to contact: The American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) The United Way by dialing 2-1-1 from landline phone Your local Emergency Management Agency to see if assistance is being offered by the state or local government Public Assistance: Assistance for State and Local Government Public Assistance declaration makes federal funding available to: The state; Local governments; Indian Tribal governments and Alaska Native villages; and Certain private nonprofit organizations that provide services of governmental nature. Public Assistance funds are available on cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair, replacement or restoration of facilities damaged by the disaster.

Yes, you will have to pay interest if you do not repay the debt to FEMA within 30 days of the date on the Notice of Debt letter. If you do not pay the debt in full within 30 days, FEMA will begin charging interest on your debt at an annual interest rate of 1.0% for 2011.  For additional information regarding the interest rate please visit: Financial Management Service: Treasury Current Value of Funds Rate. Other charges will be added if you do not resolve the debt. Ways to resolve the debt are explained here: "Repaying FEMA Debt" 

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