CFO Jimmy Patronis Urges Floridians to Prepare Now for Potential Tropical Storm
~ CFO Shares Storm Recovery Resources including National Flood Insurance Claims Information ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is urging Floridians to take the necessary precautions to prepare their homes and property ahead of the tropical wave forming in the Gulf of Mexico. The tropical wave could strengthen into a tropical storm and bring heavy rain and damaging winds to communities in the Florida peninsula then possibly moving into the panhandle. The storm could potentially bring a threat of coastal flooding, so Floridians should be up to date on recovery tips and resources offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “As Floridians are well aware, tropical storms are often unpredictable and can strengthen quickly. I am urging Floridians to prepare now and to heed all watches and warnings from state and local officials. If a tropical storm is formed, it could make landfall late Sunday or early Monday with the potential to drop heavy amounts of rain which can lead to flooding. If you have coverage under the NFIP, be prepared to document potential damage, so that you can make your claim quickly, if need be. My 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 and recover afterwards. Stay safe and prepare now, Florida!” 

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.
• Tips on what to expect after filing a homeowners insurance claim related to a hurricane. 

Important Storm Recovery Tips and Resources from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program:

General information on the NFIP

• For consumers
• For insurance agents
• For insurance commissioners and others
• For real estate agents

Filing Your Claim:

• How To Start Filing Your Claim
• How To File Your Flood Insurance Claim
• Starting Your Recovery: FEMA’s Flood Insurance Claims Process
• How To Document Damage

Recovering from a flood:

• How To Document Damage And Begin Clean-Up
• NFIP Claims Handbook
• Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms
• Reducing Future Flood Damage  

Visit PrepareFL.com for storm related resources and information.

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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 Twitter (@FLDFS).