The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) & Community Rating System (CRS)

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The NFIP is a federal program that aims to reduce the impact of flooding by providing flood insurance to property owners in communities that implement floodplain management standards.

The Community Rating System

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain practices that exceed the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards.  The program includes 10 different class rating based on the number and type of activities initiated by participating communities.  Over 1,700 communities participate in the program nationwide, including the City of Laurel.  Under the CRS, the City strives to achieve three program goals:

1. Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property;
2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of NFIP; and
3. Foster comprehensive floodplain management.

As we achieve these goals and reduce the City’s flood risk, flood insurance premium rates are discounted.

The City of Laurel began participating in the Community Rating System on April 1, 2022.  Efforts to reduce the City’s flood risk and increase community preparedness include quarterly diner placemat advertisements, Laurel TV programming, and disseminating FEMA/NFIP brochures.  Currently, the City is ranked as a class 7 participant, which gives a 15% insurance premium discount to properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area, and a 5% insurance premium discount for non-Special Flood Hazard Area properties.