ELKHART COUNTY -- It's been just over two weeks since hundreds of local homeowners began cleaning up the mess left by flood waters in Elkhart County, and in some areas, there is a lot of work still left to do.

But now, the county's first new flood zone maps in 23 years could help some stay prepared if it ever happens again.

Norm Roll is one of those people. He built a new house in 2004 just 50 feet from Cobus Creek. Back then, flooding was the last thing on his mind. But that changed a few weeks ago when the creek began to rise.

That's why he went to the Elkhart County Fairgrounds in Goshen Wednesday to meet with representatives from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Elkhart County and FEMA to see what his risk really is.

And he found something surprising.

"[In 2004] we weren't listed as being in a flood zone. But with the new maps, it puts us in the flood plain," he said.

And Roll's not alone.

In fact the new maps put more than 1,100 new Elkhart County homes in a flood zone, making a total of more than 8,300 parcels of land in the county "flood plain areas." That means property owners there will be required to buy flood insurance.

But for some, it could come at a deep discount.

"[Through FEMA] you can get the flood insurance at reduced premiums during the preliminary period," said Indiana DNR Hydraulic Engineer Darrin Miller.

And for some, that helps to ease the burden.

"Any discount is appreciated," said Roll.

But not everyone feels that way.

Al Jackson's Elkhart home is a block away from the St. Joseph River, and sits behind Lilly creek. But he thinks his home is high enough that it couldn't flood.

"There is a little frustration there," he said. "I want to protect my home and my investment, but at the same time, they're saying a 1 percent chance of a flood. That doesn't seem like a great deal."

That's why he's asking the state to take another look.

"We can go back, look at the maps, and make sure there's no obvious errors," acknowledged Miller.

"We'll give it a shot, and see what happens," said Jackson.

Roll, on the other hand, isn't waiting to buy some peace of mind.

"This way it's done," he said. "You don't have any doubts in you mind later on in life."

He just hopes its an investment he'll never have to use.

If you couldn't make it to Wednesday's open house, you still have 90 days to appeal these new flood zones, either to include or discount your home.

Click the following link to find out how: www.floodmaps.in.gov.