ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia visited Duval County on his ninth stop in the statewide hurricane preparedness tour. The hurricane season began on June 1 and runs until November 30. However, most hurricanes occur between August and October. The Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services team has provided 23,310 Floridians, including 2,455 Duval County residents, with important safety information for hurricane preparedness.  

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Florida is fortunate that we have not been impacted by any major storm yet this year, however this does not mean that preparedness efforts should slip from our minds. Even if a storm is set to make landfall in another part of the state, the impacts of that storm can be wide reaching and require swift action to keep your family safe. Take time now to review storm safety information before you get the severe weather alert on your phone. Don’t wait for the warning, have your emergency plan ready now.”

Atlantic Beach Police Chief Victor Gualillo said, “Hurricane preparedness is a shared responsibility between first responders and citizens in our community. Taking proactive steps today can make us better equipped for a hurricane.”

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 not 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.">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.