Some people can look at the new Slidell flood maps and clearly understand exactly what it means.

But many people probably can’t. And Slidell leaders say they need to.  

So, for three days, FEMA and city engineers will explain them. 

“I'm glad that FEMA agreed to give us this opportunity, I think it's fairly important meeting for our citizens,” said Slidell mayor Ben Morris. 

Important, he said, because the maps will be used to set elevation heights and insurance rates. 

“Insurance companies sometimes will make a swag, and sometimes you'll be paying more insurance than you should be,” Morris said. 

Morris said these meeting will not include a lecture or a presentation; they'll be informal, one-on-one. Homeowners with a specific question about their exact address can get answers. 

“You come in and say, here's where I live. What is the deal with my house or my business, or my apartment or whatever? And you'll have somebody say where you stand in the flood plan,” Morris said. 

Experts will be on hand for a total of 23 hours over three days to answer questions. Morris said it’s not just for Slidell. Anyone in St. Tammany Parish can come by to see what flood zone they’re now in. 

The new maps are two years in the making and replace the advisory base flood elevations. Those maps, though, aren't finalized yet.