PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County has achieved a Class 7 rating in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System (CRS), effective May 7, 2025, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) announced. This rating qualifies most flood insurance policyholders in the county for a 15% discount on premiums, rewarding the county’s proactive measures to enhance flood resilience.
The CRS program, administered by FEMA, incentivizes communities to adopt floodplain management practices that exceed minimum federal standards. Calvert County’s Class 7 rating reflects its commitment to reducing flood risks through planning, public education, and infrastructure improvements. The BOCC highlighted the adoption of the 2024 Calvert County Flood Mitigation Plan on July 30, 2024, as a key milestone. This plan, integrated as an amendment to the 2023 All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, strengthens the county’s approach to managing natural and human-made hazards.
Calvert County is also updating its 2025 High Tide Flood Mitigation Plan, set for completion in 2025 to comply with state requirements. The plan analyzes tidal flooding trends, identifies vulnerable areas, and proposes strategies to mitigate risks. By incorporating this plan into the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan, the county aims to bolster coastal resilience and maintain eligibility for federal disaster relief funding. More details on these efforts are available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/FloodMitigationPlan.
Community engagement is central to these initiatives. Residents are encouraged to report flooding incidents via MyCoast, an online platform that helps officials monitor and address flood-prone areas. The platform can be accessed at https://MyCoast.org/. Public participation ensures that mitigation strategies are informed by real-time data from those most affected by flooding.
The county’s flood mitigation efforts extend beyond planning. Calvert County adheres to federal floodplain regulations, conducts public education campaigns on risk awareness, and promotes disaster preparedness. Interdepartmental coordination ensures that mitigation strategies are cohesive and effective. An annual progress report on the previous Flood Mitigation Plan is available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/1926/Community-Rating-System, detailing the county’s ongoing work to reduce flood risks.
The Class 7 rating marks a significant achievement for Calvert County, which has prioritized resilience in the face of increasing flood risks due to climate change and coastal geography. The 15% discount on flood insurance premiums will provide financial relief to residents in flood-prone areas, where policies are often mandatory. The BOCC emphasized that these savings reflect the county’s investment in long-term flood mitigation, benefiting both homeowners and the broader community.
Calvert County’s journey to the Class 7 rating involved rigorous evaluation by FEMA, assessing factors such as floodplain mapping, public outreach, and infrastructure improvements. The county’s proactive measures, including regular updates to its mitigation plans, demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding residents and property. The integration of the 2024 Flood Mitigation Plan into the broader All-Hazard Mitigation Plan ensures a holistic approach, addressing not only flooding but also other potential hazards.
As the county prepares its 2025 High Tide Flood Mitigation Plan, officials are focusing on tidal flooding, a growing concern for coastal communities. The plan will identify specific vulnerabilities, such as low-lying roads and properties, and propose targeted solutions, such as improved drainage systems or elevated structures. By aligning these efforts with state and federal requirements, Calvert County ensures continued access to funding and resources for disaster recovery.
Residents play a vital role in this process. By reporting flooding through MyCoast, citizens provide data that informs planning and response efforts. The BOCC encourages all residents to participate, noting that community input is essential for identifying problem areas and prioritizing mitigation projects. The county’s public education initiatives further empower residents to prepare for floods, from elevating appliances to securing flood insurance.
Calvert County’s Class 7 CRS rating builds on years of strategic planning and community collaboration. The resulting insurance discounts will ease the financial burden on policyholders, while ongoing mitigation efforts aim to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding. With the 2025 High Tide Flood Mitigation Plan nearing completion, the county is poised to further strengthen its resilience against coastal hazards.