Several hundred people turned out at the Heymann Performing Arts Center Thursday for an open house, allowing them to get a look at preliminary flood maps issued by FEMA. The maps show which areas of Lafayette Parish are considered flood ways or flood zones, and are used to determine flood insurance rates. FEMA community outreach specialist Bill Barton says the open house is only part of the post-preliminary map process. An appeal period of 90 days began earlier this month, giving residents and officials an opportunity to appeal areas that are designated as flood zones. After the appeals are resolved, FEMA will issue a final determination and cities can decide whether they want to use the maps. If the maps aren't used, those cities may become ineligible for the National Flood Insurance Program.