Community Rating System Explorer

FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program that encourages communities to earn a discount on flood insurance premiums for actions that contribute to their flood risk reduction.

The CRS program rewards communities for a large number of activities, the volume of information, data, and maps required to calculate and apply for points can be overwhelming. The CRS Explorer helps communities maximize their Activity Open Space Preservation (OSP) credits and explore the value of protecting land in the floodplain to reduce flood risk. Preserving open space allows the land to retain its natural function in the floodplain, storing floodwaters and reducing flashiness, as well as enhancing ecosystems and improving water quality.