Residents and business owners in Norman remain eligible for a reduction in flood insurance premiums as a result of recertification in the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Community Rating System (CRS) through efforts of the City of Norman Public Works Department.

CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. In CRS communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s efforts that address the three goals of the program: Reducing and avoiding flood damage to insurable property; strengthening and supporting the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program; fostering comprehensive floodplain management.

“A very thorough audit of Norman’s creditable floodplain management activities is done by a specialist of the Insurance Services Office,” said Todd McLellan, Development Engineer and CRS Coordinator at the City of Norman. “We completed our latest recertification process in October and are proud to report that, in addition to our score of 6, which equates to an annual policy savings of 20 percent for residents and business owners in the Special Flood Hazard Areas, our participation efforts will continue to reduce the threat of injury, death or property damage that could occur as a result of flooding.”

Norman is one of only 12 CRS communities in Oklahoma, and boasts one of the best ratings. Requirements of participating in the CRS program entail the grading of creditable activities, such as: Robust public information strategies, mapping and regulations, flood damage reduction efforts, and sufficient warning and response programs.

The next CRS audit for the City of Norman is set to occur in Summer 2025. Applicable discounts for local flood insurance holders will take effect at the time a new policy is written or an effective policy is renewed.

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