City of Jackson Mississippi
Community Rating System
 http://www.jacksonms.gov/government/publicworks/community
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The National Flood Insurance Program (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 losses; (2) facilitate accurate insurance rating; and (3) promote the awareness of flood insurance.

For CRS participating communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted in increments of 5%; i.e., a Class 1 community would receive a 45% premium discount, while a Class 9 community would receive a 5% discount (a Class 10 is not participating in the CRS and receives no discount). The CRS classes for local communities are based on 18 creditable activities, organized under four categories:

  • Public Information (Series 300) This series credits programs that advise people about the flood hazard, flood insurance, and ways to reduce flood damage. These activities also provide data needed by insurance agents for accurate flood insurance rating. They generally serve all members of the community and work toward all three goals of the CRS.
  • Mapping and Regulations (Series 400) This series credits programs that provide increased protection to new development. These activities include mapping areas not shown on the FIRM, preserving open space, enforcing higher regulatory standards, and managing storm water. The credit is increased for growing communities.
  • Flood Damage Reduction (Series 500) This series credits programs for areas in which existing development is at risk. Credit is provided for a comprehensive floodplain management plan, relocating or retrofitting floodprone structures, and maintaining drainage systems. These activities work toward the first goal of the CRS, damage reduction.
  • Flood Preparedness (Series 600) This series credits flood warning, levee safety, and dam safety programs. These activities work toward the first and third goals of the CRS, damage reduction and hazard awareness.

Credit points earned, classification awarded, and premium reductions given for communities in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System.

  • Rate Class SFHA* Premium Reduction Non-SFHA** Premium Reduction Credit Points Required
    1 45% 5% 4,500+
    2 40% 5% 4,000-4,499
    3 35% 5% 3,500-3,999
    4 30% 5% 3,000-3,499
    5 25% 5% 2,500-2,999
    6 20% 5% 2,000-2,499
    7 15% 5% 1,500-1,999
    8 10% 5% 1,000-1,499
    9 5% 5% 500-999
    10 0% 0% 0-499
    * Special Flood Hazard Area
    ** Preferred Risk Policies are available only in B, C, and X Zones for properties that are shown to have a minimal risk of flood damage. The Preferred Risk Policy does not receive premium rate credits under the CRS because it already has a lower premium than other policies. Although they are in SFHAs, Zones AR and A99 are limited to a 5% discount. Premium reductions are subject to change.


    There are now over 1018 communities, including the City of Jackson, receiving flood insurance premium discounts based on their implementation of local mitigation, outreach, and educational activities that go well beyond minimum NFIP requirements. The City of Jackson joined the CRS in October 1991 and enjoys a class 8 rating, translating to a 10% reduction in premiums for our citizens. While premium discounts are one of the benefits of participation in CRS, it is more important that we carrying out activities that save lives and reduce property damage.
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