Preliminary FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)

Preliminary FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)

FEMA is required by law to identify and map the Nation’s flood-prone areas.

The Town of Temple recently received  Preliminary FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for the Merrimack Watershed and the Contoocook Watershed.

Currently, these maps are for review only.

FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security are seeking technical information or comments on the proposed flood hazard areas for the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the Town of Temple.

The FIRM is the basis for the floodplain management measures that the Town of Temple is required to either adopt or show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Residents have 90 days to appeal the determinations through a formal appeal process. Appeals must demonstrate that the proposed flood hazard areas are scientifically or technically incorrect and satisfy certain data requirements. All other objections are referred to as comments. All information will be considered in finalizing the FIRM and FIS report.

To learn more about the appeals process, go to: https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/change-your-flood-zone/guide-community-members#appeal-comment 

All comments and/or requests for appeals must be submitted to the Town of Temple Select Board no later than May 28, 2024.

Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) identified on the maps in blue (Zone A) are High Risk. There is a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. Flood insurance is federally required in these areas.

Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas identified in brown on the map are Moderate to Low Risk. These areas typically account for a large percentage of flood insurance claims, however flood insurance is not required in these areas.

Below, you will find the Preliminary FIRMs for the Merrimack and Contoocook Watersheds.

Temple Maps for the Merrimack Watershed are:

• 33011C0315E
• 33011C0430E
• 33011C0440E
• 33011C0441E

Temple Maps for the Contoocook Watershed are:

• 33011C0294E
• 33011C0410E
• 33011C0420E

Temple does not currently participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).For more information on the NFIP, see the brochure below.

You may email TemplePlanning@TempleNH.org with any questions.