Although most flood insurance policyholders faced recentincreases, residents of Talbot County,on Maryland’s Eastern Shore bordering Chesapeake Bay, have receiveda reduction in their flood insurance premiums through the county’sincrease of various floodplain management measures encouraged bythe National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA) oversees the NFIP, which administersthe Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary,incentive program that recognizes and encourages communityfloodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIPrequirements. The program’s 10 class rating levels are based on thenumber and type of activities voluntarily initiated by theparticipating community. Each level corresponds to a percentagediscount on National Flood Insurance policy premiums within thecommunity’s geographic area.

County took steps to protect citizens

As a member of the Community Rating System, Talbot County is oneof a group of 12 Maryland communities that have received similarrecognition. The county, which has more than 600 miles ofshoreline, entered into the program as a Class 8 CRS participant onOctober 1, 2014, based on steps the county has taken to protect itscitizens and increase its resiliency. The Class 8 rating qualifieseligible National Flood Insurance Program policy holders in thecounty for an average of more than $110 in savings on their annualpremiums, with a total savings of nearly $107,000 annually forcitizens of Talbot County.

Under the CRS, local officials are asked to meet three goals:(1) reduce flood losses; (2) facilitate accurate insurance rating;and (3) promote the awareness of flood insurance. Communities canearn a CRS rating by submitting an application explaining theprojects they have in place or development. After the informationis verified and approved, FEMA provides flood insurance premiumdiscounts through the NFIP. The amount of a property owner’s policydiscount is based on the community’s CRS rating.

Residents receive 10% reduction on flood insurancepremiums

For each class that a community moves up to, it provides itsresidents with an additional 5% reduction in their flood insurancepremiums up to the 45% reduction that a Class 1 community receives.As a Class 8 community, Talbot County residents receive a 10%reduction on qualified flood insurance premiums.

For information about flood insurance, property owners shouldcontact their insurance agent, visit floodsmart.gov, or call the NFIP's toll-freeinformation line at 800-427-4661.