The Code of Ethics for Certified Floodplain Managers

Tenets of the CFM Code of Ethics

As a CFM, you agree to:

Protect the health, safety, property and welfare of the public in the practice of your profession;

Establish and maintain a high standard of integrity and practice;

Practice honesty and integrity in all of your professional relationships with the public, peers and employer;

Be truthful and accurate in your professional communications;

Not express a professional opinion in deposition or before a court, administrative agency or other public forum, which may be contrary to generally-accepted scientific and floodplain management principles, without fully disclosing the basis and rationale for such an opinion;

Foster excellence in floodplain management by staying abreast of pertinent issues;

Enhance individual performance by attention to continuing education and technology;

Avoid conflicts of interest resulting in personal gain or advantage;

Be economical in the utilization of the nation’s resources through the effective use of funds, accurate assessment of flood-related hazards, and timely decision-making;

Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information;

Promote public awareness and understanding of flood-related hazards, floodplain resources and flood hazard response; and

Be dedicated to serving the profession of floodplain management and to improving the quality of life

But in reality, you can melt down floodplain management ethics into a simple checklist:

Is the action legal?

Does it comply with FPM values and ethics?

If you do it, will you feel bad?

How would it look in the newspaper?