LAKELAND, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia visited Polk County on his tenth stop in the statewide hurricane preparedness tour. Although the hurricane season started earlier this summer, hurricanes are at a greater risk of forming between the months of August and October. Since the start of hurricane season, the Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services has provided 26,465 Floridians with important hurricane preparedness information so residents can better mitigate storm damage. 

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Even though Florida has not been impacted by a hurricane this year, the season is not over yet. In fact, this is the exact time of year that previous major storms have devastated regions across the state. Now is the time to review hurricane safety information such as evacuation routes and emergency plans to keep you and your loved ones safe before the clouds start to form.” 

Representative Jennifer Canady said, “Being prepared and vigilant throughout the hurricane season can make all the difference when a storm is headed towards Polk County. Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for your continued support to ensure that Floridians have the resources they need to stay safe.”  

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 an 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.