Huffington Magazine Issue 25 | Page 63

PHOTO OR ILLUSTRATION CREDIT TK SANDY’S DEVASTATION The National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System allows residents to receive deductions on their flood insurance premiums if their town officials require certain structural upgrades to reduce flooding risk, or do specialized floodplain mapping to pinpoint problem areas. Though nearly 60 New Jersey towns participated in the program, the vast majority received among the lowest ratings, according to federal data, meaning town officials had only done minimal preparations to prevent flooding risks. Several towns damaged by Sandy’s flooding, incl Ց