Tropical Storm Fay has proved to be a wake-up call for Floridians. As we enter the most active portion of the 2008 hurricane season, Fay continues to drop an unprecedented amount of rain over Florida’s 67 counties. This history-making storm, starting nearly a week ago in the Florida Keys, has slowly crisscrossed our state, making landfall three times so far and has no sign of letting up in the near future.

In the wake of Tropical Storm Fay, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee, as well as numerous communities across the state, have put Florida citizens’ safety above all else. As emergency responders and local officials put their well-laid emergency plans into action, CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink supports their efforts, urging fellow Floridians to follow their warnings and stay out of danger.

With the 2008 storm season far from being over, CFO Sink is especially interested in making sure that you, your family, home, and business are all prepared for the remainder of the season. The next storm may be more serious. Record rainfall and resulting flooding from Fay has served as a lesson to many Floridians without flood insurance. Remember, homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage – contact the National Flood Insurance Program for more information on how to obtain flood insurance coverage. Visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/.

As the storm season progresses, State Fire Marshal Sink would also like to warn residents of the dangers of using a generator indoors or in any enclosed area such as a garage, carport or sunroom. Thousands of residents have lost power due to Tropical Storm Fay, and fire safety is a potential issue as residents use candles and lanterns in their homes.

For more information on preparedness tips, emergency contact information, or for guidance in filing insurance claims, the department’s useful Homeowners’ Financial Toolkit is available online in .pdf format. Our consumer helpline is also open to provide tropical storm or hurricane assistance at 1-800-22-STORM, or 1-800-227-8676. For a problem with a claim, you may file a request for assistance online or look up licensing information on insurance agents and adjusters at www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

THE STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER FACES FAY

CFO and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink along with various Department of Financial Services staff, joined the Governor and many other emergency responders at Florida’s State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee throughout the week to deal with Tropical Storm Fay.

The Division of Emergency Management manages the SEOC as the communications and command center for coordinating state emergency and disaster response with federal and local agencies. This state-of-the-art technological center provides access to real-time meteorological radar and a universal database for situation and response reporting.

The emergency center is staffed around the clock and maintains statewide communications with county emergency officials.

Through calls with Florida fire chiefs around the state, the CFO thanked them for their dedication and vigilance in responding to the needs of their local communities as Tropical Storm Fay moved across the state. The State Fire Marshal provides technical assistance to local governments as they implement emergency plans and procedures.

Each state agency designates an Emergency Coordinating Officer (ECO) as the liaison for operations with the SEOC. Tory Desotell is the DFS ECO, who reports to the SEOC when a Level 1 alert is designated by the Division of Emergency Management. CFO Sink, as State Fire Marshal, is responsible for DFS sworn law enforcement officers to provide the essential function of first responder search and rescue as needed. After a storm our Consumer Services and Agents & Agency Services staff coordinate insurance help on claims and adjusting.