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Emergency Preparedness
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Provincetown is a member of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

New Floodplain Map Adoption Is Being Delayed Until June, 2013.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently revised the flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) for Provincetown. The new preliminary FIRM designates the changes to the flood zones and is used to establish the flood insurance rate for structures on parcels within the special flood hazard areas (SFHA).

The following maps have been created using geographic information systems (GIS) and have used technical data directly from FEMA. These GIS maps were created to help you better interpret and understand the changes that have occurred to the FIRM.

Take the time to understand the impact these new maps have on your property.

FEMA has delayed the adoption of the new Floodplain Maps until June, 2013.

Link to the online maps: View Maps. Legend Key

Please note that any determination made by the Town of Provincetown of your property's flood zone is approximate, and that the final flood hazard zone determination for flood insurance purposes is the responsibility of your mortgage lender and the insurance company writing the flood policy.

If the map shows: These requirements, options and savings apply:
Change from low or moderate flood risk to high risk Flood insurance is mandatory. Flood insurance will be federally required for most mortgage holders. Insurance costs may rise to reflect the true (high) risk. Grandfathering offers savings. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has "grandfather" rules to recognize policyholders who have built in compliance with the flood map or who maintain continuous coverage. Talk with your insurance agent about the ways you can save.
Change form high flood risk to low or moderate risk Flood insurance is optional, but recommended. The risk is reduced, not removed. Flood insurance can still be obtained, and at lower rates. Twenty to 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from low to moderate-risk areas. Conversion offers savings. An existing policy can be converted to a lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy for those properties that qualify.
No change in risk level No change in insurance rates. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover damages due to flooding. Talk to your insurance agent to learn your specific risk and the steps you can take to protect your property and assets.


The GIS Maps and the official preliminary flood insurance rate map FIRM can also be viewed at Town Hall located at 260 Commercial Street in the Department of Community Development. Hours for viewing are: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm and Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

If you have questions, please contact Brian Carlson, Health & Environmental Affairs Manager/Floodplain Manager at 508-487-7000 ext. 537 or via email at

Additional Information:
Questions and Answers
Saving on Flood Insurance

Questions about Flood Insurance: www.floodsmart.gov or speak to your insurance agent.


Local Emergency Prepardness Committee (LEPC)
The goal of the Local Emergency Prepardness Committee (LEPC) is to develop and implement comprehensive response plans that are effective and efficient in addressing human and/or natural threats to the public health and safety of the Provincetown community. Read the complete mission and goals of the LEPC.

Join your Local Emergency Preparedness Committee (LEPC)
If you would like to join the group or contribute your ideas, please contact the Emergency Management Director/Police Chief, Jeff Jaran at (508) 487-1212, or contact Deputy Emergency Manager, Brian Carlson at (508) 487-7000 ext. 537.

Community Rating System (CRS)
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It provides lower insurance premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program. The premium reduction is in the form of a CRS Class, similar to the classifications used for fire insurance. A Class 1 provides a 45% premium reduction. A Class 10 provides no reduction. The CRS Class is based on the floodplain management activities a community implements. In many cases, these are activities already implemented by the community, the state, or a regional agency. The more activities implemented, the better the CRS class. 

The Town of Provinctown has applied to become a member of the CRS program and is anticipating to recieve a 10% or higher reduction in flood insurance rates for residents.  This reduction is anticipated to go into effect in October 2011. Continued efforts are being made to increase the Town's standing with the CRS program to achieve higher insurance rate reductions now and into the future.

How Prepared Are You? Develop a Disaster Survival Plan
To prepare for the unknown, each home should have a 72-Hour Disaster Survival Kit easily accessible. The kit should include essential items to help you and your family survive whether you stay at home or seek other shelter during a disaster. 

Make sure to develop a disaster-survival plan for your pets.

Power Outages
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) provides safety tips when experiencing a possible power outage. MEMA also provides information on inland flooding and how to prepare yourself in the event of a flood.

Hurricane Prepardness
Hurricane Season
Hurricanes are more prevalent during August, September, and October, with the month of September being the time when the largest number occur.

Resources


Agendas and Minutes
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Town of Provincetown
260 Commercial Street
Provincetown, MA 02657
Ph: (508) 487-7000
Fx: (508) 487-9560