“Elevation” refers to the height of something above (or below) a reference level. In floodplain management, we compare elevations of structures, land, and water in deciding the best means of protecting lives and property. Where is the lowest floor of a structure? What is the expected height of the water surface during a particular storm frequency event? Why should we care?
This course defines the various elevations of significance in designing floodplain development and protecting existing development, supplemented by applicable regulations and technical guidance documents from FEMA. Because the Elevation Certificate is used for many floodplain management purposes, discussion of how elevations reported on this form are utilized is expanded into identifying sources of Base Flood Elevations.
Course objectives
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the various elevation relationships involved in sound floodplain management
- Understand the regulatory framework behind the various purposes of the Elevation Certificate
- Recognize appropriate sources of Base Flood Elevation information for different floodplain management purposes
