Flooding

The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Oregon were established in the 1970s by FEMA and are currently in the process of being updated. Homes that were built before FIRM was established are at greater risk for flooding. Pre-FIRM homes are also more likely to be located in lower-income neighborhoods. It is more difficult for these homeowners to afford flood insurance. Many cities have developed and codified specific flood prevention ordinances that are designed to protect current structures and prevent new structures from being built in flood-prone areas.