You can also find maps in community map repositories. These are usually at your local government’s planning or zoning office.

The index will also have a range indicating how many panels are included in the map. For example, 001-005 means the map has 5 panels.

A flat flood map includes multiple pages. Each page is a panel displaying a different part of the map. Z-fold flood maps are similar to road maps. They fold out into 1 large map.

The title box also lists the community name, the date the map was made, and other identification information.

The letter coordinate is listed on the left side of the map and the number coordinate is on the top. For coordinates A-2, for example, find the A row on the left. Then count 2 squares to the right.

For example, you might see Acadia and Birch roads labeled next to a pond. Use these landmarks to estimate the relative location of your home.

For example, your scale may have the number 500 over it. This means that every 1 in (2. 5 cm) you move along the map is the same as traveling 500 ft (150 m) for real. To find a specific location, figure out how far it is from a listed landmark. Then use the scale to measure the location on the map.

For example, you may see a hill with an elevation of 50 ft (1,500 cm). This may be a high, safe point in the community in case of a flood.

Some areas, such as small areas with complicated flood zones, are printed in their own panels. Both the map and index will indicate which panel you should view. If a panel isn’t printed, this is because the entire area falls within one flood insurance risk zone. Read the index page for more information.

Non-floodprone communities are far less likely to flood. However, it can still happen, especially in severe weather.

For example, a dark line can be a high-risk flood zone boundary. A lighter line can be a lesser-risk flood zone boundary. A slash can represent a water barrier. The legend is like a key that helps you unlock the map’s meaning. Since the symbols differ between maps, always take a look at the legend.

For example, any area labeled A has a high risk of flooding. An area labeled D has a minimal flooding risk. Combination letters like AE show that the legend and map provide extra information about the flooding severity and protective barriers in the area. High-risk areas in coastal regions are labeled as V. By contrast, zones labeled X are less at risk.

These installations are designed to resist flooding. You can follow the map line to see where they are installed.

The bank markers are much farther apart than the levee lines. Slash marks between these lines represent areas that have to be kept clear in order for the water to drain safely.

A higher base flood elevation number means more water during a flood. This is used to determine what kind of insurance property owners need. If the base flood elevation is the same across the water, it will be noted on the map.

100-year flood risk means that the area has a 1% or greater chance of a serious flood every year. It does not mean it floods once every 100 years. Remember that newer, digital maps may use different color schemes. Flooding areas tend to be marked blue.

500-year flood risk means that this area has a 0. 2% likelihood to flood in a year.

These areas tend to be considered sensitive and protected by law. That means limiting building and landscaping in order to reduce the flooding risk.