What is my Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE)?

The interactive 'What is My ABFE?' tool below can assist you in determining the current and advisory flood risk of your property*.  To find out what information is available for your property, follow these three easy steps:

1.    Enter your address into the field below and click the “Get Details” button. Internet Explorer users: You must click 'No' if a security warning pop up window appears on your screen in order for information to display correctly in the report after clicking the "Get Details" button.

2.    A “flag” (graphic) will be added to the map banner below indicating the location the tool will provide information at.  If the "flag" on the map is not directly on your house, click on the location of your house as shown on the map to reposition the flag. The report will be refreshed automatically with information for your actual location.

3.    The data fields below the map banner will provide you with an overview of ABFE and related information.  Below the report, you will find information on what you can do with the ABFE information provided in the report. 
 
Note: People with accessibility needs may call 1-800-427-4661 or use our online form to request and receive assistance in identifying and interpreting the Advisory Base Flood Elevation information for their property.
 
If you have any questions about what you are looking at in the report, click with your mouse on the hyperlinked question in the left column and a glossary will open in a new window, which will provide you a definition of what is being described.
 
*DISCLAIMER: The information generated on each report is dependent on the location of the point location of the flag (graphic). The flood information included in the report tables below is not a determination. Results from this tool are not intended for insurance rating purposes and is for information only. The positional accuracy may be compromised in some areas. The address locator is not 100% accurate in identifying your address. Property owners should contact your local floodplain administrator for more information or to view an official copy of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and discuss the ABFEs in the vicinity of their property prior to starting any reconstruction activity.

Now Available: Estimated Ground Elevations for Properties in New York City

For properties located in New York City, the What is My ABFE? Tool report now includes an estimated ground elevation for buildings. This estimated elevation is determined from available topographic data for the location, which is the same data being used to create revised coastal flood hazard information. You will need to consult with a licensed surveyor to determine the actual elevation of your home.

In areas where the estimated ground elevation is available, you will need to click directly on top of your building shown in the locator map in the What is My ABFE? report in order for the estimated elevation to appear in the report. Otherwise, ‘N/A’ will appear in the report in place of an estimated ground elevation.

Estimated ground elevation information is currently only available for locations in New York City. However, data will soon be available for properties in New Jersey and Westchester County, New York as well.

What Does it Mean if the Report shows 'N/A' for All Fields?   

The ‘What is my ABFE’ tool will return ‘N/A’ results in 2 situations: 1) in cases where ABFE data has not been developed for a county/community and 2) in cases where ABFE data has been released for a particular county/community but the specific location within the county/community is not actually in an Advisory flood zone.  ABFE data has been released for the following counties/communities:  (New Jersey) Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union; (New York) New York City and Westchester County.  If your property is located in one of these communities and you receive 'N/A' results, it is most likely you are not located in an Advisory flood zone.   

 
If you click on the ‘Link to Web Tool’ in the report, it will bring up the ABFE map for your location – this is an easy way that you can see your location on the map and any flood zones in the vicinity.  Even if you are not actually located in an Advisory flood zone, you should still consider purchasing flood insurance if you are close to an Advisory flood zone to reduce the chance of financial impacts in case a flood does occur in the future.
 

What Should I Do With The ABFE Information in the Report?   

As you make decisions for rebuilding and reconstruction, the information provided by the What is My ABFE Tool will provide you an understanding of the possibility of flooding and coastal wave actions that affect your property. Investigations conducted by FEMA and other organizations after major coastal disasters have consistently shown that properly sited, well-designed, and well-constructed coastal residential buildings generally perform well. This information can assist you in your rebuilding efforts and provides a centralized point of risk information for you to discuss permitting requirements with your local building and permitting staff.

•    Local building and permitting varies by community. This information will allow you to meet with your local building and permitting authority to discuss your individual property building requirements.

•    Before building, property and business owners should consult their local government officials to determine the mandatory elevations and any construction requirements for their home or building.

•    Consider elevating your home’s lowest floor above the Base Flood Elevation.  Elevating your structure is a good way to reduce your risk of flooding even if your property is not currently subject to flooding.

•    Elevating your home above the Base Flood Elevation or Advisory Base Flood Elevation (whichever is higher) will also provide a future reduction in flood insurance premiums.

•    If your property is subject to coastal wave action, consider breakaway walls and other structural building measures that will allow the building to remain after a storm event. 

•    Consider relocating your structure (if possible) to minimize the hazards your home or business may encounter.  

Visit the ABFE Toolkit for Property Owners webpage for answers to common questions about the ABFEs and helpful fact sheets and websites regarding ABFEs, rebuilding, flood insurance and other topics.

Questions or comments?  Call the National Flood Insurance Program Help Center at 1(800) 427-4661 or contact us through our online form today.

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