NAPLES, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia made his sixth stop in Collier County on his statewide hurricane preparedness tour to encourage Floridians to be proactive amid the ongoing hurricane season, which started on June 1 and runs until November 30. Since CFO Ingoglia launched the initiative in May, the Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services team has reached out to more than 15,000 Floridians with safety tips and resources.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “With only a month into the 2026 hurricane season, there is no better time than now for Floridians to take proactive measures to protect their loved ones and their property. A hurricane can form quickly and shift in a moment’s notice, which is why waiting too late can have lasting consequences. Early preparation techniques are key to reducing the impact, while minimizing costs and damages after a storm.”

North Collier Fire Deputy Chief Michael Jimenez said, “Residents of Collier County can’t wait until the storm is nearby. The best time to prepare is before the hurricane watches and warnings are issued. By applying the preparedness tips from CFO Ingoglia, this can make all the difference in after-storm recovery.”

US&R Task Force 6 Division Chief John Wisdom said, “When a hurricane strikes a community, our mission is to help those who have been impacted by the devastation. However, residents also play a role in protecting themselves by being prepared. Building an emergency kit or making an evacuation plan are simple steps that can keep you and your family safe when a storm is nearby.”

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 no 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.