FEMA 480 || 100% Correct Answers.
What are the 3 most common types of flooding? correct answers Riverine, coastal, shallow
Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths in recent history? correct
answers Flash flooding
What is a "meander?" correct answers It's a curve or turn in a river channel.
What's the major cause of coastal flooding? correct answers Storm surge
What causes a tsumani? correct answers Underwater earthquake or volcanoes
List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. correct answers 1. Closed
basin
2. Uncertain flow paths
3. Dam breaks
4. Ice Jams
5. Mudflows
What 2 problems result from floodplain development? correct answers 1. Development alters the
floodplain and the dynamics of flooding
2. Building and infrastructures are damaged by periodic flooding
What does watershed development do to flooding? correct answers The increase in impervious
surface results in increased runoff and higher flood levels.
What is one of the problems with constructing seawalls to protect buildings from flooding or
erosion? correct answers It can accelerate erosion on properties at the end of the wall.
What are the five main causes of flood damage? correct answers 1. Hydrodynamic forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediment and contaminants
Standing water as little as _____ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame house. correct
answers 3
What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods? correct answers 1.
Disruption of public utilities
2. Electrocution
3. Contamination of water supplies
4. Fire
5. Animal carcasses, garbage, and ponds can become breeding grounds for germs and
mosquitoes
,6. Mold, mildew, and bacteria that grow in damp, flooded areas
7. Contaminated air from dirty heating ducts
8. Stress and mental health problems
Prior to the 1960's what was the primary way to reduce flood losses? correct answers Structural
flood control projects
What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of "floodplain
management?" correct answers A decision-making process that aims to achieve the wise use of
the nation's floodplains
What are the two primary goals of floodplain management? correct answers 1. To reduce the loss
of life, disruption, and damage caused by floods
2. To preserve and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains
What areas are conducive to flash flooding? correct answers 1. Hilly areas with steep slopes and
narrow valleys
2. Urban areas with large amounts of impervious surfaces and storm sewers
3. Areas downstream of dams or subject to jams
Is erosion only a threat in coastal areas? correct answers No. Riverine erosion can move through
stream channels and undercut structures.
What is "ponding?" correct answers Where storm water runoff collects in depressions and cannot
drain out
Are plants and animals the only beneficiaries of the "natural and beneficial functions" of flood
plains? correct answers No. People benefit from floodplains through the food they provide, the
recreational opportunities the afford, and the scientific knowledge gained in studying them.
Floodplains also recharge ground water supplies and their filtering actions help improve water
quality.
What does filling in a floodplain do? correct answers Filling reduces the floodplain's ability to
store excess water, sending more water downstream, and causing floods to rise to higher levels.
Does moving sand and sand dunes affect flooding? correct answers Yes, it may remove a natural
barrier that protects inland properties.
Hydrodynamic forces are caused by _____ water and hydrostatic forces are caused by _____
water correct answers Moving, Standing
List 3 materials or household items that are particularly susceptible to flood damage by soaking.
correct answers 1. Wood
2. Gypsum wallboard
3. Furniture and upholstery
4. Carpeting
,5. Mattresses
6. Books
7. Electrical appliances
8. Gasoline engines
What are examples of non-structural flood protection measures? correct answers 1. Regulations
to prohibit development in high-hazard areas
2. Building codes requiring flood-resistant construction for new buildings in flood-prone areas
3. Acquisition and relocation of buildings in high hazard areas
4. Modifying or retrofitting existing buildings
5. Installing flood warning systems
6. Controlling storm-water runoff
7. Providing self-help advice to property owners
What are the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's 4 main floodplain
management strategies? correct answers 1. Modify human susceptibility to flood damage
2. Modify the impact of flooding
3. Modify flooding itself
4. Preserve and restore natural resources
What are the objectives of the NFIP? correct answers The National Flood Insurance Act created
the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to:
1. Transfer the costs of private property flood losses from the taxpayers to floodplain property
owners through flood insurance premiums
2. Provide floodplain residents and property owners with financial aid after floods, especially
smaller floods that do not warrant federal disaster aid
3. Guide development away from flood hazard areas
4. Require that new and substantially improved buildings be constructed in ways that would
minimize or prevent damage in a flood
What are the 3 basic parts of the NFIP? correct answers 1. Mapping
2. Insurance
3. Regulations
Who uses NFIP maps? correct answers 1. Communities, states, and federal agencies use them as
the basis for regulating new flood-prone construction
2. Insurance agents use them when rating food insurance policies
3. Lenders and federal agencies use them to determine when flood insurance must be purchased
as a condition of a loan or financial assistance
What should happen to buildings in NFIP communities over time? correct answers Over time,
exposure to flood damage should be reduced, as the older pre-FIRM buildings are replaced by
post-FIRM buildings. Eventually a community should have only post-FIRM buildings subject to
little or no flood damage.
, What types of government bodies are considered to be "communities" by the NFIP? correct
answers These governmental bodies vary from state to state, but can include cities, towns,
villages, townships, counties, parishes, special districts, states, and Indian nations with the
statutory authority to enact and enforce regulations.
What is the Write Your Own Program? correct answers An arrangement whereby private
insurance companies write and service NFIP flood insurance policies under their own name.
When a community applies to join the NFIP, what must it submit? correct answers A resolution
of intent to "maintain in force ... adequate land use and control measures" and to cooperate with
FEMA
What are the sanctions if a community does not participate in the NFIP? correct answers 1. Flood
insurance will not be available. No resident will be able to purchase a flood insurance policy
through the NFIP.
2. If the community withdraws or is suspended, existing flood insurance will not be renewed.
3. No federal grants or loans for development may be made in the identified flood hazard areas
under programs administered by federal agencies such as HUD, EPA, and SBA.
4. No federal disaster assistance may be provided to repair insurable buildings located in
identified flood hazard areas for damage caused by a flood.
5. No federal mortgage insurance or loan guarantees may be provided in identified flood hazard
areas. This includes policies written by FHA, VA, and others.
6. Federally insured or regulated lending institutions, such as banks and credit unions, must
notify applicants seeking loans for insurable buildings in flood hazard areas that:
a. there is a flood hazard and
b. the property is not eligible for federal disaster relief
Where does most of the money come from to pay the expenses of the NFIP? correct answers
Premium income. The NFIP has been self-supporting since 1986.
How many communities currently participate in the NFIP? correct answers More than 19,000
What is a pre-FIRM building? correct answers A building built before the effective date of the
community's Flood Insurance Rate Map.
Is there any relation between how a community regulates new construction an flood insurance
rates? correct answers Yes. Buildings built in accordance with the community's regulations have
a lower risk of flooding and can be insured at lower rates.
List 2 things your community committed itself to when it joined the NFIP. correct answers 1.
Issuing or denying floodplain development/building permits
2. Inspecting all development to assure compliance with the local ordinance
3. Maintaining records of floodplain development
4. Assisting in the preparation and revision of floodplain maps
5. Helping residents obtain information on flood hazards, floodplain map data, flood insurance,
and proper construction measures
What are the 3 most common types of flooding? correct answers Riverine, coastal, shallow
Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths in recent history? correct
answers Flash flooding
What is a "meander?" correct answers It's a curve or turn in a river channel.
What's the major cause of coastal flooding? correct answers Storm surge
What causes a tsumani? correct answers Underwater earthquake or volcanoes
List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. correct answers 1. Closed
basin
2. Uncertain flow paths
3. Dam breaks
4. Ice Jams
5. Mudflows
What 2 problems result from floodplain development? correct answers 1. Development alters the
floodplain and the dynamics of flooding
2. Building and infrastructures are damaged by periodic flooding
What does watershed development do to flooding? correct answers The increase in impervious
surface results in increased runoff and higher flood levels.
What is one of the problems with constructing seawalls to protect buildings from flooding or
erosion? correct answers It can accelerate erosion on properties at the end of the wall.
What are the five main causes of flood damage? correct answers 1. Hydrodynamic forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediment and contaminants
Standing water as little as _____ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame house. correct
answers 3
What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods? correct answers 1.
Disruption of public utilities
2. Electrocution
3. Contamination of water supplies
4. Fire
5. Animal carcasses, garbage, and ponds can become breeding grounds for germs and
mosquitoes
,6. Mold, mildew, and bacteria that grow in damp, flooded areas
7. Contaminated air from dirty heating ducts
8. Stress and mental health problems
Prior to the 1960's what was the primary way to reduce flood losses? correct answers Structural
flood control projects
What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of "floodplain
management?" correct answers A decision-making process that aims to achieve the wise use of
the nation's floodplains
What are the two primary goals of floodplain management? correct answers 1. To reduce the loss
of life, disruption, and damage caused by floods
2. To preserve and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains
What areas are conducive to flash flooding? correct answers 1. Hilly areas with steep slopes and
narrow valleys
2. Urban areas with large amounts of impervious surfaces and storm sewers
3. Areas downstream of dams or subject to jams
Is erosion only a threat in coastal areas? correct answers No. Riverine erosion can move through
stream channels and undercut structures.
What is "ponding?" correct answers Where storm water runoff collects in depressions and cannot
drain out
Are plants and animals the only beneficiaries of the "natural and beneficial functions" of flood
plains? correct answers No. People benefit from floodplains through the food they provide, the
recreational opportunities the afford, and the scientific knowledge gained in studying them.
Floodplains also recharge ground water supplies and their filtering actions help improve water
quality.
What does filling in a floodplain do? correct answers Filling reduces the floodplain's ability to
store excess water, sending more water downstream, and causing floods to rise to higher levels.
Does moving sand and sand dunes affect flooding? correct answers Yes, it may remove a natural
barrier that protects inland properties.
Hydrodynamic forces are caused by _____ water and hydrostatic forces are caused by _____
water correct answers Moving, Standing
List 3 materials or household items that are particularly susceptible to flood damage by soaking.
correct answers 1. Wood
2. Gypsum wallboard
3. Furniture and upholstery
4. Carpeting
,5. Mattresses
6. Books
7. Electrical appliances
8. Gasoline engines
What are examples of non-structural flood protection measures? correct answers 1. Regulations
to prohibit development in high-hazard areas
2. Building codes requiring flood-resistant construction for new buildings in flood-prone areas
3. Acquisition and relocation of buildings in high hazard areas
4. Modifying or retrofitting existing buildings
5. Installing flood warning systems
6. Controlling storm-water runoff
7. Providing self-help advice to property owners
What are the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's 4 main floodplain
management strategies? correct answers 1. Modify human susceptibility to flood damage
2. Modify the impact of flooding
3. Modify flooding itself
4. Preserve and restore natural resources
What are the objectives of the NFIP? correct answers The National Flood Insurance Act created
the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to:
1. Transfer the costs of private property flood losses from the taxpayers to floodplain property
owners through flood insurance premiums
2. Provide floodplain residents and property owners with financial aid after floods, especially
smaller floods that do not warrant federal disaster aid
3. Guide development away from flood hazard areas
4. Require that new and substantially improved buildings be constructed in ways that would
minimize or prevent damage in a flood
What are the 3 basic parts of the NFIP? correct answers 1. Mapping
2. Insurance
3. Regulations
Who uses NFIP maps? correct answers 1. Communities, states, and federal agencies use them as
the basis for regulating new flood-prone construction
2. Insurance agents use them when rating food insurance policies
3. Lenders and federal agencies use them to determine when flood insurance must be purchased
as a condition of a loan or financial assistance
What should happen to buildings in NFIP communities over time? correct answers Over time,
exposure to flood damage should be reduced, as the older pre-FIRM buildings are replaced by
post-FIRM buildings. Eventually a community should have only post-FIRM buildings subject to
little or no flood damage.
, What types of government bodies are considered to be "communities" by the NFIP? correct
answers These governmental bodies vary from state to state, but can include cities, towns,
villages, townships, counties, parishes, special districts, states, and Indian nations with the
statutory authority to enact and enforce regulations.
What is the Write Your Own Program? correct answers An arrangement whereby private
insurance companies write and service NFIP flood insurance policies under their own name.
When a community applies to join the NFIP, what must it submit? correct answers A resolution
of intent to "maintain in force ... adequate land use and control measures" and to cooperate with
FEMA
What are the sanctions if a community does not participate in the NFIP? correct answers 1. Flood
insurance will not be available. No resident will be able to purchase a flood insurance policy
through the NFIP.
2. If the community withdraws or is suspended, existing flood insurance will not be renewed.
3. No federal grants or loans for development may be made in the identified flood hazard areas
under programs administered by federal agencies such as HUD, EPA, and SBA.
4. No federal disaster assistance may be provided to repair insurable buildings located in
identified flood hazard areas for damage caused by a flood.
5. No federal mortgage insurance or loan guarantees may be provided in identified flood hazard
areas. This includes policies written by FHA, VA, and others.
6. Federally insured or regulated lending institutions, such as banks and credit unions, must
notify applicants seeking loans for insurable buildings in flood hazard areas that:
a. there is a flood hazard and
b. the property is not eligible for federal disaster relief
Where does most of the money come from to pay the expenses of the NFIP? correct answers
Premium income. The NFIP has been self-supporting since 1986.
How many communities currently participate in the NFIP? correct answers More than 19,000
What is a pre-FIRM building? correct answers A building built before the effective date of the
community's Flood Insurance Rate Map.
Is there any relation between how a community regulates new construction an flood insurance
rates? correct answers Yes. Buildings built in accordance with the community's regulations have
a lower risk of flooding and can be insured at lower rates.
List 2 things your community committed itself to when it joined the NFIP. correct answers 1.
Issuing or denying floodplain development/building permits
2. Inspecting all development to assure compliance with the local ordinance
3. Maintaining records of floodplain development
4. Assisting in the preparation and revision of floodplain maps
5. Helping residents obtain information on flood hazards, floodplain map data, flood insurance,
and proper construction measures
