CERTIFIED EMERGENCY MANAGER -
WEEK 7 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS!!
What is "Basic rule #1" for using maps and data?
You must use the latest maps and flood data published by FEMA
What is basic rule #2 on what needs a permit in the floodplain?
A permit is required for all development in the SFHA.
What is Basic Rule #3?
Development must not increase the flood hazard on other properties
In a riverine AE Zone with a base flood elevation, what must a developer show in order to
demonstrate that he is meeting Basic Rule #3?
He must conduct an encroachment review that demonstrates that the cumulative effect of the
proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development:
· Will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point
within the community, and
· Is consistent with the technical criteria contained in Chapter 5 (Hydraulic Analyses) of the
Flood Insurance Study: Guidelines and Specifications for Study Contractors, FEMA-37, 1995.
What does Basic rule #4 say about new buildings in A Zones?
New, substantially improved or substantially damaged buildings must be protected from damage
by the base flood.
What does Basic rule #5 say about new buildings in V Zones?
There are special building requirements in addition to the building protection requirements for
buildings in A Zones. Due to wave impacts, V Zones have special building protection standards
in addition to the requirements for A zones.
What is the basic rule on improvements and repairs to existing buildings in the floodplain?
,If the cost of improvements or the cost to repair the damage exceeds 50 percent of the market
value of the building, it must be brought up to current floodplain management standards.
What is the basic rule on calculating the cost of the damage?
Substantial damage is determined regardless of the actual cost to the owner. You must figure the
true cost of bringing the building back to its pre-damage condition using qualified labor and
materials obtained at market prices.
What are the three most common types of flooding?
Riverine, coastal, shallow
Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths in recent history?
Flash flooding
What is a "meander"?
It is a curve or turn in a river channel
What is the major cause of coastal flooding?
Storm surge
What causes a tsunami?
Underwater earthquakes or volcanoes
List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. Does your community
have any of these?
1. Closed basin lakes
2. Uncertain flow paths
3. Dam breaks
4. Ice jams
5. Mudflows
What two problems result from floodplain development?
,1. Development alters the floodplain and the dynamics of flooding
2. Buildings and infrastructure are damaged by periodic flooding.
What does watershed development do to flooding?
The increase in impervious surface results in increased runoff and higher flood levels.
What is one of the problems with constructing seawalls to protect buildings from flooding
or erosion?
It can accelerate erosion on properties at the end of the wall.
What are the five main causes of flood damage?
1. Hydrodynamic forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediments and contaminants
Standing water as little as _____ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame house.
3 feet
What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods?
1. Disruption of public utilities
2. Electrocution
3. Contamination of water supplies
4. Fire
5. Animal carcasses, garbage, and ponds; which can become breeding grounds for germs and
mosquitoes
6. Mold, mildew, and bacteria that grow in damp, flooded areas
7. Contaminated air from dirty heating ducts
8. Stress and mental health problems
Prior to the 1960s what was the primary way to reduce flood losses?
Structural flood control projects
, What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of
"floodplain management"?
"A decision-making process that aims to achieve the wise use of the nation's floodplains"
What are the two primary goals of floodplain management?
1. To reduce the loss of life, disruption, and damage caused by floods
2. To preserve and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains
What areas are conductive to flash flooding?
1. Hilly area with steep slopes and narrow valleys
2. Urban areas with large amounts of impervious surfaces and storm sewers
3. Area downstream of dams or subject to ice jams
Is erosion only a threat in coastal areas?
No. Riverine erosion can move stream channels and undercut structures.
What is ponding?
Where stormwater runoff collects in depressions and cannot drain out.
Are plants and animals the only beneficiaries of the "natural and beneficial functions" of
floodplains?
No. People benefit from floodplains through the food they provide, the recreational opportunities
they afford, and the scientific knowledge gained in studying them. Floodplains also recharge
groundwater supplies and their filtering actions help improve water quality.
What does filling in a floodplain do?
Filling reduces the floodplain's ability to store excess water, sending more water downstream and
causing floods to rise to higher levels.
Does moving sand and sand dunes affect flooding?
Yes, it may remove a natural barrier that protects inland properties.
WEEK 7 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS!!
What is "Basic rule #1" for using maps and data?
You must use the latest maps and flood data published by FEMA
What is basic rule #2 on what needs a permit in the floodplain?
A permit is required for all development in the SFHA.
What is Basic Rule #3?
Development must not increase the flood hazard on other properties
In a riverine AE Zone with a base flood elevation, what must a developer show in order to
demonstrate that he is meeting Basic Rule #3?
He must conduct an encroachment review that demonstrates that the cumulative effect of the
proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development:
· Will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point
within the community, and
· Is consistent with the technical criteria contained in Chapter 5 (Hydraulic Analyses) of the
Flood Insurance Study: Guidelines and Specifications for Study Contractors, FEMA-37, 1995.
What does Basic rule #4 say about new buildings in A Zones?
New, substantially improved or substantially damaged buildings must be protected from damage
by the base flood.
What does Basic rule #5 say about new buildings in V Zones?
There are special building requirements in addition to the building protection requirements for
buildings in A Zones. Due to wave impacts, V Zones have special building protection standards
in addition to the requirements for A zones.
What is the basic rule on improvements and repairs to existing buildings in the floodplain?
,If the cost of improvements or the cost to repair the damage exceeds 50 percent of the market
value of the building, it must be brought up to current floodplain management standards.
What is the basic rule on calculating the cost of the damage?
Substantial damage is determined regardless of the actual cost to the owner. You must figure the
true cost of bringing the building back to its pre-damage condition using qualified labor and
materials obtained at market prices.
What are the three most common types of flooding?
Riverine, coastal, shallow
Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths in recent history?
Flash flooding
What is a "meander"?
It is a curve or turn in a river channel
What is the major cause of coastal flooding?
Storm surge
What causes a tsunami?
Underwater earthquakes or volcanoes
List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. Does your community
have any of these?
1. Closed basin lakes
2. Uncertain flow paths
3. Dam breaks
4. Ice jams
5. Mudflows
What two problems result from floodplain development?
,1. Development alters the floodplain and the dynamics of flooding
2. Buildings and infrastructure are damaged by periodic flooding.
What does watershed development do to flooding?
The increase in impervious surface results in increased runoff and higher flood levels.
What is one of the problems with constructing seawalls to protect buildings from flooding
or erosion?
It can accelerate erosion on properties at the end of the wall.
What are the five main causes of flood damage?
1. Hydrodynamic forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediments and contaminants
Standing water as little as _____ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame house.
3 feet
What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods?
1. Disruption of public utilities
2. Electrocution
3. Contamination of water supplies
4. Fire
5. Animal carcasses, garbage, and ponds; which can become breeding grounds for germs and
mosquitoes
6. Mold, mildew, and bacteria that grow in damp, flooded areas
7. Contaminated air from dirty heating ducts
8. Stress and mental health problems
Prior to the 1960s what was the primary way to reduce flood losses?
Structural flood control projects
, What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of
"floodplain management"?
"A decision-making process that aims to achieve the wise use of the nation's floodplains"
What are the two primary goals of floodplain management?
1. To reduce the loss of life, disruption, and damage caused by floods
2. To preserve and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains
What areas are conductive to flash flooding?
1. Hilly area with steep slopes and narrow valleys
2. Urban areas with large amounts of impervious surfaces and storm sewers
3. Area downstream of dams or subject to ice jams
Is erosion only a threat in coastal areas?
No. Riverine erosion can move stream channels and undercut structures.
What is ponding?
Where stormwater runoff collects in depressions and cannot drain out.
Are plants and animals the only beneficiaries of the "natural and beneficial functions" of
floodplains?
No. People benefit from floodplains through the food they provide, the recreational opportunities
they afford, and the scientific knowledge gained in studying them. Floodplains also recharge
groundwater supplies and their filtering actions help improve water quality.
What does filling in a floodplain do?
Filling reduces the floodplain's ability to store excess water, sending more water downstream and
causing floods to rise to higher levels.
Does moving sand and sand dunes affect flooding?
Yes, it may remove a natural barrier that protects inland properties.
