It is the most common map that FEMA produces and used by a variety of parties. Insurance agents and insurers use the FIRM to determine the extent of the flood risk faced by properties and buildings. Community officials use the FIRM to administer floodplain management regulations and to mitigate the loss exposure to floods. Lending institutions and federal government entities use the FIRM to locate properties and buildings in relation to mapped flood hazards and to ascertain whether flood insurance is required when making loans or providing grants to rebuild structures following a disaster.