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Floodplain Management

In case of a flooding emergency, communities should contact the State Emergency Coordination Center at 1-800-478-2337 or e-mail at secc@ak-prepared.com

Floodplain management is a program focused on reducing flood damages through resilient community decision-making and implementation of preventive and, when required, corrective measures.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is one portion of the floodplain management toolbox. The NFIP provides minimum development standards for preventive and protective measures through improved land use and building practices, and encourages communities to evaluate and determine usage of higher standards.

Participation in the NFIP is based on an agreement between a local government and the federal government. If the community adopts and enforces a floodplain management ordinance that meets program standards, the federal government will make flood insurance available within the community.

“But my home should not be in the flood hazard zone?”

Letter of Map Change (LOMC) Quick Guide from FEMA Region 10 - This handout is a useful resource for community members who believe their property has been incorrectly identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). It provides guidance on initiating a LOMC to remove the property from the SFHA designation.

Here the website for further information or to get started on the online application process with FEMA. https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/change-your-flood-zone

For more information, please visit www.fema.gov/letter-map-changes or contact the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-336-2627. To complete an elevation certificate, click here to download the form.

Mitigation

Mitigation refers to activities that eliminate or reduce the effects of a disaster. Two elements encompass mitigation: planning and projects. A Hazard Mitigation Plan is a guide to methods, projects, and actions that will make people and their communities less vulnerable to the effects of natural and human-caused hazards.

The State Hazard Mitigation Officer, with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM), manages the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

Alaska Mitigation Program

Alaska Community Resilience Programs


For More Information

Harmony Curtis, CFM
Local Government Specialist
National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator
Division of Community and Regional Affairs
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1650
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-7904
FAX: (907) 269-4563
Email: harmony.curtis@alaska.gov

Updated 06/27/2024