GULF BREEZE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia reminded Floridians in Santa Rosa County to start preparing now for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on June 1 and continues until November 30. The statewide hurricane preparedness tour is part of the CFO’s initiative to encourage Floridians to be proactive in hurricane safety before a storm strikes.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “People in the Florida Panhandle are resilient and they know firsthand just how quickly conditions can change during a hurricane. Whenever a hurricane shifts unexpectedly; it can cause devastation across our communities. Preparing early ensures that Floridians are ready for any forecast changes that can happen during storms.”

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said, “Make a plan, build an emergency kit, and sign up for local emergency alert systems before the storm comes, not after. This makes a key difference in protecting your property and your loved ones when severe weather approaches. I am thankful for CFO Ingoglia’s continued commitment to getting Florida prepared for hurricane season.”

Midway Fire District Chief Shannon Stone said, “Our firefighters will always be here to answer the call, but Floridians should start getting prepared for hurricane season now. Hurricane preparedness can help save lives and minimize risk during dangerous conditions.”

Santa Rosa County Emergency Manager Tom Lloyd said, “I want to encourage residents in Santa Rosa County not to wait until it is too late. Every year, we learn that hurricane preparedness saves lives. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for equipping our communities with the information they need to stay safe during a hurricane.”

Before a storm strikes:  

• Check your home and flood insurance coverage, then compare options to make sure you have the protection you need at the best value.  
• Conduct a home inventory with photos and video of inside and outside of your home.
• Safeguard important documents in a dry box.
• Have cash on hand.   
  

After the storm:

• Report damage to your agent or insurance company.
• Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage and document them.
• Beware of fraud and scams.
• Verify the license of contractors or adjusters.
• Don’t rush into signing a contract with a public adjuster and call the Consumer Services helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO to see if they can assist you first. 
  

Additional after the storm tips:

• Take pictures, videos, or written notes of the damage.
• Do not give your personal information without thoroughly verifying who is receiving it and for what purpose.
• Do not be in a hurry to sign any contract. Public adjusters charge a fee based on a percentage of the amount recovered from the insurance company.
• If your vehicle is flooded, do not attempt to drive even if the damage appears to be minimal like wet floor mats. Call the insurance company to file a claim and follow their instructions.   
• Hire licensed and reputable service people, preferably from your community. You can check a contractor's license here.
• Beware of anyone offering to help after a storm who wants cash only. 
• All legitimate contractors must carry insurance. Ask for proof of Liability and Workers’ Compensation coverage.
• Keep a log of the communication you exchange with the insurance company adjuster(s).

Call the Consumer Services Helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) for insurance questions and assistance.