Which communities' floodplains are depicted on a countywide FIRM?

A countywide Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) displays the floodplains for all communities within that specific county. This includes areas that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as well as those that may not currently be active participants. The purpose of the FIRM is to provide comprehensive flood risk information that is relevant for the entire county, thereby ensuring that all inhabitants are aware of flood risks regardless of their current NFIP status.

This expansive mapping approach also serves to assist in planning and development efforts throughout the county, as local governments can use the information for zoning, building codes, and emergency management. It is important for all communities to acknowledge their flood risk, even if they have not experienced flooding in the past or are not currently engaged in the NFIP, as future flood risks can arise due to various factors.