As Tropical Depression Eta is predicted to strengthen and threaten Florida communities as early as this weekend, state Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis urged Floridians to monitor weather reports closely and prepare immediately.
For hurricane-related resources and information, visit the CFO’s PrepareFL.com website that serves as a one-stop-shop for disaster preparedness information and tips to help Floridians ensure they are prepared.
“Although it’s late in the 2020 Hurricane Season, Floridians cannot let their guard down. Tropical Depression Eta is moving towards South Florida and I’m urging residents in the projected path of this storm to monitor weather reports closely and prepare now. Eta is projected to bring heavy rain, wind, and probable flooding to communities in the Florida Keys and Southwest Florida by this weekend. As we’ve seen in the past, storms can change course and strengthen quickly, leaving little to no time to prepare so now is the time to ensure your disaster plan is in place. Florida residents should monitor the latest weather reports and visit PrepareFL.com now for important disaster preparedness resources to ensure you can recover quickly. Don’t wait until landfall is imminent, it may be too late,” Patronis said on Thursday.
Eta is being held responsible for the deaths of more than 50 people in Central America.
Patronis offered the following Disaster Preparedness Tips for Floridians:
- 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. 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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