47.5 MB - The Whole Building Design Guide

2.1.1.4 Advisory Base Flood ElevationThe flood maps and flood hazard data described in Section 2.1.1.2are the minimum information required to be used for regulatorypurposes. The updating of FIRMs is a continuous process andit relies heavily on examination of storm event data and physicalchanges to the landscape. If significant flood events have occurredsince the effective date of the FIRM, these events may change thestatistical analyses, which would then prompt an update of theflood maps and produce revised elevations for the 1-percent-annual-chanceflood. Critical facility owners, planners, and designersshould contact community officials to determine whether therehave been any significant flood events or other changes that mayaffect flood hazards since the effective date of the FIRM. The bestavailable information should be used at all times.FEMA works closely with communities to develop new floodhazard data or revise existing data during the standard flood studyprocess. Updating flood hazard data includes the analysis of historicaldata. If a major flood event significantly alters the physicalenvironment or if it is determined to be statistically significant,FEMA may decide to release Advisory BFEs (ABFEs) and FloodRecovery Maps (see Figure 2-5).Figure 2-5: Example of a flood recovery map showing ABFEs and other flood hazard information.2-16 MAKING CRITICAL FACILITIES SAFE FROM Flooding