Tropical Storm Fay gave Florida a soaking of record proportions that left a very strong message - get flood insurance for your property from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). There is a 30-day waiting period until the coverage goes into effect, so don't delay! 

Examine your homeowners insurance policies so you know what damage is covered when a storm hits. Check with your agent to clarify your understanding or improve your coverage before the next storm. Keep your insurance information in an easily accessible place and if you must evacuate, take if with you so you can reach your agent or company claims department after a storm.

Remember, if a storm is not officially designated a hurricane, the standard deductible applies, not the higher hurricane deductible.

Trees and limbs that have fallen can be dangerous and should be handled by experienced workers. Many accidents occur when trying to clear downed trees after the storm -  chainsaws, big trees, fallen electrical wires, and inexperience can be deadly.

Floridians have filed more than 17,000 insurance claims as a result of damage from Tropical Storm Fay, thousands of which are for damage from the unprecedented flooding seen across our state.

Report damage to your property to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) so Florida can receive the federal funds our citizens need to recover from this storm. You can also call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO for more information or assistance.

According to FEMA , as Florida counties are declared eligible for assistance, consumers with damage from Tropical Storm Fay should call 1-800-621-3362 to apply. Social security numbers, information on any insurance coverage, brief descriptions of damage done to the property, the address of the damaged property and current addresses and phone numbers will need to be provided. The uninsured or underinsured will be more likely to receive assistance and can expect to receive it within two weeks.

1. Use cloth, recyclable bags when shopping. Keep a supply in your car, and get in the habit of taking them into the grocery store. Encourage local shops to reduce (and eliminate!) their distribution of paper and plastic bags. And even better, stop using paper or plastic bags completely!

2. Plant a tree. Trees not only produce oxygen for your personal health, but they are scientifically proven to absorb odors from the atmosphere, store carbon dioxide, provide shade, lessen flooding, serve as a barrier to high wind conditions, and enhance real estate values. This action is also a great family-fun activity!

3. Shorten your showers.  Create a family competition by using a timer in the bathroom to educate household members about how much water they are using in that long shower. In Australia and other drought-stricken countries, showers are strictly limited. Get in the habit of short-showers!

4. Become a “locavore” – meaning, buy local products whenever you can. This will reduce the energy utilized in transportation, reduce extra costs of importing goods and services, and also bolster the economy of your local businesses.

5. Plant native shrubs and ground cover for landscaping where possible. This will not only save money in your water bills, but also provide a Florida-friendly yard that attracts native birds and other wildlife. Visit a native plant nursery if you need advice.

“A stable and viable workers’ compensation system is good for everyone, especially for Florida businesses and their employees – the backbone of our economy,” said CFO Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services, which includes the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the agency charged with regulating workers’ compensation in Florida. “No other state has matched Florida’s rate reductions, and no other state is working harder to take care of employers and employees.” CONTINUED