Jimmy Patronis Urges Floridians to Prepare as Potential Tropical Storm Draws Near

As Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine churns in the Caribbean and threatens to impact Florida as early as this weekend, state Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis urged Floridians to prepare now and highlights important disaster resources to assist Florida residents before, during, and after a storm.

Patronis’ PrepareFL.com website serves as a one-stop-shop for disaster preparedness information and tips to help Floridians ensure they are prepared to weather a storm.

“As we closely monitor this tropical cyclone, it is my top priority to ensure Floridians have the tools and resources they need to prepare for the possibility of tropical storm winds hitting our state this weekend. Floridians know all too well the devastation hurricanes can have on their lives and we must take this threat seriously. As we saw with Hurricane Michael, hurricanes can form and strengthen quickly, leaving little time to prepare and evacuate. The time is now to prepare and protect your home and business. Heed all watches and warnings from state and local officials and do not wait until a storm is making landfall. Prepare now, Florida!” Patronis said on Wednesday.

The Prepare Florida website includes:

• An Emergency Preparedness Toolkit designed to help you prepare a home inventory and organize your financial information before and after a disaster.
• A Natural Disasters – Are You Prepared guide to inform consumers on insurance and financial preparation in the event of a natural disaster.
• A guide to navigating the flood insurance claims process.
• Information on the Assignment of Benefits (AOB) process and how it can impact a homeowner.
• Tips on what to expect after filing a homeowners insurance claim related to a hurricane.

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.