What is a base flood elevation (BFE)?

The computed elevation to which floodwater is expected to rise during the base flood. BFE are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and on the flood profiles. The BFE is the regulatory requirement for the elevation or flood proofing of structures. The relationship between the BFE and a structure's elevation determines the flood insurance premium.

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1. What does FEMA stand for?
2. What is a flood?
3. What is a floodplain?
4. What is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?
5. How does the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) benefit the community?
6. What is the Community Rating System (CRS)?
7. What is a 100-Year Flood Zone or Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
8. What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)?
9. What is a base flood elevation (BFE)?
10. What are my odds of flooding within a 100-year floodplain?
11. How do I know if I am in a flood zone?
12. My house is in a floodplain - what do I need to know?
13. Who has to buy flood insurance?
14. What is Pre-FIRM and Post-FIRM?
15. What is an Elevation Certificate?
16. Who can prepare an Elevation Certificate?
17. Why should I have an Elevation Certificate for my property?
18. What is a Letter of Map Change (LOMC)?
19. What are the different types of LOMC?
20. How long does it take to obtain a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), or physical map revision?
21. My mortgage company has informed me that my house is in a floodplain and that I will be required to purchase flood insurance - what do I need to know?
22. What is floodplain management?
23. Where can I find more information about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?