For Immediate Release
Date: July 19, 2016

The City of Savannah was recognized today by FEMA as a Class 5 Community in the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) program. The CRS was implemented in 1990 as a voluntary program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities exceeding the minimum NFIP standards. The CRS encourages higher standards in public awareness of flood hazards and flood insurance, storm water maintenance, and regulatory development ordinances.

In 2016, there were a total of 1,391 communities that received certification in this program. With a Class 5 certification, there are only 11 communities nationwide receiving a higher rating.

“Our staff has worked diligently to meet the standards of this program, so that the benefits of a safer community and lower flood insurance premiums can be passed on to our residents,” said Savannah City Manager Stephanie Cutter.

By participating in the program, the City of Savannah is able to recover faster from a storm event and the citizens will save almost $750,000 on flood insurance premiums annually because of the 25% discount given to Class 5 communities.

“We congratulate the City of Savannah for its continuing efforts to make Savannah a safer and more resilient community,” said Susan Wilson, Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch Chief of FEMA.

Photo attached:
From left to right: Peter Shonka, Savannah Assistant City Manager, Julie McLean, City of Savannah Director of Development Services, Stephanie Cutter, Savannah City Manager, Susan Wilson, Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch Chief of FEMA, and Tom McDonald, City of Savannah Development Services Administrator.