A building for which construction or substantial improvement occurred on or before December 31, 1974 or before the effective date of an initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

A building for which construction or substantial improvement occurred after December 31, 1974 or on or after the effective date of an initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), whichever is later.

A flood hazard that occurs in flat areas when there are depressions in the ground that collect "ponds" of water. The ponding hazard is represented by the zone designation AH on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

Substances that include, but are not limited to, any solid, liquid, gaseous or thermal irritant or contaminant, including smoke, vapor, soot, fumes, acids, alkalis, chemicals and waste. "Waste" includes, but is not limited to, materials to be recycled, reconditioned or reclaimed.

The entire written contract between the insured and the insurer. It includes the following: The printed policy form; The Application and declarations page; Any endorsement(s) that may be issued; and Any renewal certificate indicating that coverage has been instituted for a new policy and new policy term. Only 1 dwelling, specifically described by the prospective policyholder in the Application, may be insured under a policy.

FAQs Archive - Page 7 of 22 - Flood Insurance Education & Resources

Q: Participating Community

A community for which FEMA has authorized the sale of flood insurance under the NFIP.

Q: Out-As-Shown Determination

An alternative outcome of the FEMA letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) review process stating that a specific property is located outside the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as indicated on the Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).