From Chaos to Control: New Guide Helps Emergency Managers Lead Smart Flood Recovery

The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) and the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) are pleased to announce the release of An Emergency Manager’s Quick Guide to Floodplain Management. This comprehensive guide was developed to equip state and local emergency managers with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate the complex landscape of floodplain management, particularly after a flood event when mitigation measures to prevent future flood losses are critical.

Floods are the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States, affecting inland and coastal communities across the nation. Emergency managers play a key role before, during, and after a flood to ensure community safety and resilience. This Quick Guide was developed to help them understand and implement floodplain management practices that will not only aid in immediate disaster recovery but also mitigate future risks.

“ASFPM and NEMA collaborated on this guide to address the growing need for accessible, practical information that can be used in real-time during flood recovery operations,” said Chad Berginnis, Executive Director of ASFPM. “This collaboration brings together the deep expertise of floodplain managers and the on-the-ground experience of emergency managers, creating an easy-to-use resource that bridges the gap between technical regulations and practical application.”

Who Should Use This Guide?

The primary audience for this guide is state and local emergency managers who are often the first to respond following a flood event. The guide provides step-by-step instructions on everything from understanding floodplain maps and floodplain regulations  to implementing flood mitigation measures. It also includes vital information on working with local and state floodplain administrators, who are essential partners in the recovery and rebuilding process.

In addition, the guide speaks directly to those who have experienced flooding in their homes with practical advice on what to do next. Homeowners will find valuable insights on how to navigate the daunting task of recovery, including understanding flood risks and the importance of flood insurance, adhering to floodplain regulations, and accessing resources to rebuild smarter and safer. In short, the guide ensures that homeowners are informed and prepared to rebuild in a way that minimizes future flood risks and protects their investment.

“Effective emergency management of flooding disasters depends on strong collaboration with floodplain managers,” said Trina Sheets, Executive Director of NEMA. “By working together, we can reduce future flood risks, guide safer rebuilding efforts, and ensure that disaster assistance supports both immediate recovery and long-term resilience. This partnership helps communities recover smarter—protecting lives, property, and the environment.”

Key Benefits of Using the Quick Guide:

• Enhanced Recovery Efforts: The guide empowers emergency managers to provide clear, actionable advice to flood victims, ensuring that recovery efforts are aligned with best practices in floodplain management.
• Mitigation of Future Risks: By understanding and applying the principles outlined in the guide, communities and individuals can reduce their vulnerability to future floods, potentially saving lives, properties, and millions of dollars in damage.
• Access to Expert Resources: The guide includes a comprehensive appendix of contacts and resources, making it easier for emergency managers to connect with state and local floodplain managers and access critical information.

Download An Emergency Manager’s Quick Guide to Floodplain Management

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About ASFPM
The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing flood loss in the nation. Together with our 38 state chapters, we represent more than 20,000 state and local officials as well as professionals in the private sector and academia engaged in all aspects of floodplain management and flood hazard mitigation, including management of local floodplain ordinances, flood risk mapping, engineering, planning, community development, hydrology, forecasting, emergency response, water resources development, flood insurance, and research. ASFPM works to educate policy makers on sound floodplain management policies and practices, delivers on-going professional development and training events, conducts applied research, and administers the Certified Floodplain Manager program. Visit www.floods.org.

About NEMA
The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association dedicated to enhancing public safety by improving the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all emergencies, disasters, and threats to our nation’s security. NEMA is the professional association of and for emergency management directors from all 50 states, eight U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Visit www.nemaweb.org.