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.

Although the CRS program rewards a vast number of activities, the volume of information, data, and maps required to calculate and apply for points can be overwhelming for some communities that don’t have the time or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capacity to take full advantage of the program.  The CRS Explorer helps communities maximize their Activity 420 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 provide benefits to the ecosystem and water quality.

Main functions:

1. Determines areas that currently qualify for Open Space Preservation (OSP) credit and calculates the points they provide.
2. Provides exportable, preprocessed maps and analysis information to support the CRS application process.
3. Assists with identifying future open space in the floodplain.
4. Can serve as a flood risk communication piece for residents and decision-makers