National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which works closely with nearly 90 private insurance companies to offer flood insurance to property owners and renters. In order to qualify for flood insurance, a community must join the NFIP and agree to enforce sound floodplain management standards.
The NFIP, a federal program, offers flood insurance, which can be purchased through property and casualty insurance agents. Rates are set and do not differ from company to company or agent to agent. These rates depend on many factors, which include the date and type of construction of your home, along with your building's level of risk. Buying flood insurance is the best thing you can do to protect your home, your business, family and financial security.
NFIP in Minnesota
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state administration agent for the NFIP in Minnesota The HSEM Hazard Mitigation branch works with the DNR, FEMA and other agencies to help communities develop effective local flood hazard mitigation plans and projects which includes adopting required ordnances and mitigation plans necessary for the community to be eligible to participate in the NFIP.
Silver Jackets
The Silver Jackets program provides a formal and consistent strategy for an interagency approach to planning and implementing measures to reduce the risks associated with flooding and other natural hazards.
The program is a partnership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA and state agencies. Silver Jacket programs are developed at the state level with support from the Corps, FEMA and other federal agencies. There are currently several state teams; the ultimate goal is to offer teams to each state.
The program's primary goals are to:
Create or supplement a mechanism to collaboratively address risk management issues, prioritize those issues, and implement solutions.
Increase and improve risk communication through a unified interagency effort.
Leverage information and resources, including providing access to such national programs as FEMA's Map Modernization program and RiskMAP programs and USACE's Levee Inventory and Assessment Initiative.
Provide focused, coordinated hazard mitigation assistance in implementing high-priority actions such as those identified by state mitigation plans.
Identify gaps among the various agency programs and/or barriers to implementation, such as conflicting agency policies or authorities, and provide recommendations for addressing these issues.
The program's desired outcomes are:
- Reduced flood risk.
- Agencies better understand and leverage each other's programs.
- Collaboration between various agencies, coordinated programs and cohesive solutions.
- Multi-agency technical resource for state and local agencies.
- Mechanism for establishing relationships to facilitate integrated solutions post-disaster.
USACE Silver Jackets Program
USACE Flood Risk Management Program
- Promotes public awareness of proper management.
- Promotes professional status of individuals involved.
- Provides educational opportunities for concerned individuals.
- Provides a method for disseminating information.
- Informs stakeholders of pending legislation.
- Studies and support needed legislation.
