National Flood Insurance Program Participation

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in response to the rising cost of taxpayer-funded disaster relief for flood victims and the increasing amount of damage caused by floods. The Mitigation Division a component of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), manages the NFIP and oversees the floodplain management and mapping components of the program.

Community Rating System

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) was implemented in 1990 as a voluntary program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities exceeding the minimum NFIP standards.  Any community in full compliance with the minimum NFIP floodplain management requirements may apply to join the CRS. 

Flood Insurance

You are required to purchase flood insurance to secure financing to buy, build, or improve structures located in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).  Lenders that are federally regulated must determine if the structure is located in a SFHA.

Since Thomas Township does participate in the NFIP flood insurance is available to all citizens.  Even if you are not in a high-risk area for flooding it still can occur due to flash floods, inadequate drainage, melting snow, and broken water mains.  Twenty-five percent of insurance claims are in the low to moderate-risk areas.

Flood Damage Repairs or Re-construction Information

During the flooding event that took place in May of 2020, you may have had damage to your home or property.  If so, it may be necessary to obtain a building permit to correct these damages on your property or to your home or outbuilding.  Some repairs to your home or even to an outbuilding may require you to make changes to the structure that will prevent future damage in the event of a flood.  Before doing any construction or repair on your property within the floodplain in Thomas Township please call the Thomas Township Floodplain Manager at the Thomas Township Office at 989-781-0150.  The Building Department in Thomas Township is also a very useful source of information before doing any repairs or construction on your property, contact them at 989-781-0150.