NORWICH – Property owners are advised to refer to drafts of new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood zone maps now available in municipal offices to determine whether they may need to purchase flood insurance.

Communities and property owners have until March 23 to appeal FEMA’s proposed changes, if necessary, and to purchase insurance at a reduced rate. The Chenango County Planning and Development Department is advising individuals to contact their insurance agents.

Municipalities will be required to officially adopt the maps and a flood insurance study into local law by the end of 2010.

Property owners may already be aware that their parcel is in a flood zone and may have taken appropriate steps, such as purchasing flood insurance; however, in some areas new mapping has expanded the flood plain to include new properties.