CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Prepare for the Potential Development of Tropical Waves
8/5/2021
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With reports that the National Hurricane Center is tracking two tropical waves, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is reminding Floridians to be prepared in the event the waves develop into a tropical depression or hurricane. In early July, Tropical Storm Elsa developed quickly and brought heavy rainfall to Florida’s Gulf Coast. CFO Patronis is encouraging all Floridians to visit PrepareFL.com, which serves as a one-stop-shop website for disaster preparedness information and tips to help Floridians secure their property before a storm and recover afterwards.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, "While the tropics have been quiet for the last several weeks following Tropical Storm Elsa, this activity is a stark reminder that we are in the height of hurricane season. Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their latest hurricane outlook and it called for even greater odds for an above-average hurricane season, with 13 to 20 named storms and seven to 10 hurricanes. As we all know, storms can develop quickly, so it is critical to make sure you and your family have the proper supplies on hand. Preparing for a storm before it arrives, can make all the difference and I encourage Floridians to visit my PrepareFL.com website for information and resources to ensure you and your family can recover quickly.”
Disaster Preparedness Tips
• Conduct a home inventory. Compile a video home inventory by using your smartphone to walk through your home and narrate what is being recorded including value or replacement costs. Email it to yourself for easy retrieval later.
• Gather important financial documents. Collect all insurance, financial and other important financial documentation. In the frantic hours before a storm, it is easy to forget that the loss of important papers and documents can make recovering from a disaster more difficult. Take time now to gather your important insurance and financial documents and put them in a plastic bag or waterproof safety box for safe keeping.
• Understand the flood claims process. After the storm, it is important to know the flood claims process and report the loss to your insurance agent or your insurance company as soon as possible.
Visit PrepareFL.com for more information and to start your storm plan today. CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline is available to assist Floridians with insurance issues and the claims process. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236), to talk to a knowledgeable insurance specialist Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, "While the tropics have been quiet for the last several weeks following Tropical Storm Elsa, this activity is a stark reminder that we are in the height of hurricane season. Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their latest hurricane outlook and it called for even greater odds for an above-average hurricane season, with 13 to 20 named storms and seven to 10 hurricanes. As we all know, storms can develop quickly, so it is critical to make sure you and your family have the proper supplies on hand. Preparing for a storm before it arrives, can make all the difference and I encourage Floridians to visit my PrepareFL.com website for information and resources to ensure you and your family can recover quickly.”
Disaster Preparedness Tips
• Conduct a home inventory. Compile a video home inventory by using your smartphone to walk through your home and narrate what is being recorded including value or replacement costs. Email it to yourself for easy retrieval later.
• Gather important financial documents. Collect all insurance, financial and other important financial documentation. In the frantic hours before a storm, it is easy to forget that the loss of important papers and documents can make recovering from a disaster more difficult. Take time now to gather your important insurance and financial documents and put them in a plastic bag or waterproof safety box for safe keeping.
• Understand the flood claims process. After the storm, it is important to know the flood claims process and report the loss to your insurance agent or your insurance company as soon as possible.
Visit PrepareFL.com for more information and to start your storm plan today. CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline is available to assist Floridians with insurance issues and the claims process. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236), to talk to a knowledgeable insurance specialist Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).