FEMA Community Rating System Program

What is the the FEMA Community Rating System Program?

The Town of Norton participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  As part of this program the Norton Conservation Commission provides information free of charge regarding floodplain areas within Norton.  Any resident or interested buyer of Norton property may request floodplain information using the Floodplain Request Form available on the town website located here: FLOODPLAIN REQUEST FORM

Looking for More Information click here: to better understand and navigate flood risks

The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:

1. Reduce flood damage to insurable property;

2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and

3. Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

Participation in this program by the Norton town government grants residents a 5% reduction in flood insurance premiums.  Federal law requires the purchase of flood insurance for all federally-backed mortgages when the property is located in a floodplain (also known as the 100-year floodplain or special flood hazard area).

The Norton Conservation Commission continues to provide outreach materials, such as NORTON’S SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS: 100-YEAR FLOODPLAINS, which provides insight for prospective property buyers about floodplain functions, the hazards associated with living in or near floodplain areas, and the insurance requirements upon purchasing a property residing within or affected by a designated floodplain.

Additional information surrounding floodplain property information may be reviewed online via FEMA's WEBSITE or reviewed at the Norton Public Library. A list of materials on record at the Norton Public Library is available for review : HERE

FLOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES are made available per the CRS Program.