Floodplain Management Training Resources
DEC offers professional development workshops and trainings for local floodplain administrators across the state. These trainings provide county and municipal officials the background to properly enforce their local floodplain management ordinances. In addition to DEC-sponsored trainings, there are several other state or federally sponsored training opportunities available.
DEC encourages community officials interested in learning more about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and their role in administering the program to participate in the training opportunities below.
Upcoming Training Events
There are no training events planned at this time.
Independent Study Training for Floodplain Administrators (Non-Residential)
An online study guide and four tutorials available through FEMA's website include:
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Floodplain Management Requirements: A Study Guide and Desk Reference for Local Officials
- The NFIP Floodplain Management Requirements Study Guide and Desk Reference (leaves DEC website) can enhance the knowledge and skills of local officials responsible for administering and enforcing local floodplain management regulations, as well as function as a study guide to help them study for the exam for the Association of State Floodplain Manager's (ASFPM) Certified Floodplain Manager designation.
Introductory Tutorials
- How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map Tutorial (leaves DEC website):
This tutorial educates users on the use and application of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each component of the FIRM is explored. The tutorial includes a section that contains examples of how to get specific information from FIRMs. - How to Read a Flood Insurance Study Tutorial (leaves DEC website):
This tutorial educates users on the use and application of the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each component of the FIS report--including Flood Profiles, cross sections, and notes-- is explored and explained. - Letter of Map Change (LOMC) Tutorial for Amendments (leaves DEC website) : The online LOMC is an easy way to request a Letter Of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA. All the information and supporting documentation can be submitted and the status of your LOMA can be checked. The PowerPoint presentation, provides information about LOMCs including a how to guide of the amendment process.
- Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)/Letter of Map Revision - Fill (LOMR-F) Tutorial (leaves DEC website)
The tutorials include how and what to submit for a LOMA using the MT-EZ form and how and what to submit for a LOMR based on fill using the MT-1 form. These forms and information are necessary to request removal of one or more properties and/or structures from a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Community Rating System (CRS) Training
The CRS Program is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community's efforts that address the three goals of the program:
- Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property
- Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program
- Foster comprehensive floodplain management
The CRS Webinar Series will be providing live and on-demand training to communities that are not yet participating in the CRS Program, local government staff who are new to the CRS, and those with experience in the program. For registration information and further details, please see the CRS Resources webpage (leaves DEC website).
Recommended Training for Floodplain Management Administrators (Residential)
Residential courses are offered through FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) (leaves DEC website) at the National Emergency Training Center in Maryland. These courses are designed for Local, State, and Federal officials who administer the National Flood Insurance Program. Recommended Residential Training Courses offered through FEMA EMI (leaves DEC website) include the following:
E0273 Managing Floodplain Development through the National Flood Insurance Program
- E0273 focuses on the National Flood Insurance Program and concepts of floodplain management, maps and studies, ordinance administration, and the relationship between floodplain management and flood insurance This course provides a comprehensive overview to the NFIP and is designed for officials with limited floodplain management experience.
E0194 Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts
This advanced floodplain management course provides a dynamic and interactive instruction that covers the following four topics in detail:
- Local Floodplain Manager Roles and Responsibilities (1 day)
- National Flood Insurance Program Floodplain Rules and Regulations in Depth (1 day)
- Letter of Map Change Procedures for Applying and Floodplain Management Implications (1 day)
- Preparing for Post-Disaster Responsibilities (1 day)
E0282 Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II
This advanced floodplain management course is a dynamic and interactive instruction that covers the following four topics in detail:
- Placement of Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles in the Floodplain (1 day)
- National Flood Insurance Program Flood Insurance Principles for the Floodplain Manager (1 day)
- Higher Standards in Floodplain Management (1 day)
- Hydrology and Hydraulics for the Floodplain Manager (1 day)
E0282 Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts III
This advanced floodplain management course is a dynamic and interactive instruction that covers the following five topics in detail:
- Floodway Standards (1 day)
- Disconnects between National Flood Insurance Program Regulations and Insurance (1 day)
- Common Noncompliance Issues (1/2 day)
- Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) (1/2 day) Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage (1 day)
E0278 NFIP Community Rating System
E0278 covers the Community Rating System (CRS), a nationwide initiative of FEMA's NFIP. It describes activities eligible for credit under the 2017 CRS Coordinator's Manual, how a community applies, and how a community modifies an application to improve its classification.
E0279 Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Buildings
E0297 provides engineering and economic guidance to architects, engineers, and local code enforcement officials in retrofitting existing 1- to 4-family residential structures situated in flood-prone areas. The retrofitting measures presented are creative, practical, compliant with applicable floodplain regulations and satisfactory to most homeowners.
