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Show Only a Few Have Flood Insurance in Garfield Garfield County is one of 15,000 towas or areas across the country that has qualified for the federal coverage. "But if it is typical of other eligible areas only a fraction of the people have purchased flood insurance." said John W Yardley, Panguitch insurance agent. Relatively few people know the standard homeowners policy does not cover flood related losses, but for those who live in potential flood areas, special insurance is available through programs backed by the federal government. As of Jan. 1, the Department of Housing and Urban Development took over the entire flooc program, and details arc still being worked out Traditionally, however, flood insurance policies have been marketed by local licensed proper ty casualty agents and brokers HUD "presumes" this practice will continue Actual administration of both policy ap plications and claims will be through a new entrant on the scene, however, the EDS Federal Cor poration in Bethesda, Md, which is answering questions via a toll-free line, (800) 638-6620 In spite of massive human efforts to prevent floods, they still occur, and they can be tragic, both in property damage and loss of life. Earlier this year, flooding in the state of Washington caused an estimated $36 million in damage and a flashflood in Georgia killed 39 people |