TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— With the possibility of Hurricane Dorian bringing heavy rainfall to the state, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis urges residents along Florida's east coast to prepare for possible widespread flooding caused by this powerful storm. CFO Patronis’ Disaster Fraud Assistance Strike Team (DFAST) also stands ready to deploy to affected areas to combat fraud in the event of a storm.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Hurricane Dorian is projected to move along the east coast of Florida as a major hurricane bringing heavy winds and rain. As we continue to monitor the path of this storm, don’t take it lightly. Prepare now by gathering important insurance and financial documents and snapping photos of valuables inside and outside of your home. A few simple steps now can make a big difference during recovery.
 
“Flooding is always a threat during a storm, and it isn’t just a coastal concern. Florida residents living inland must also protect their property against rising water from lakes and rivers. Floods in Florida have cost more than $5.3 billion since 1978. Taking steps now to prepare can help prevent major losses.”
 
4 Flooding Tips To Do TODAY:
 
1. Fortify your home against flooding. You can use sandbags and tarpaulins to safeguard your property from flooding.
2. Gather 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
 
Floridians with any insurance questions or concerns are encouraged to contact CFO Patronis' Consumer Helpline by calling 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) or visit PrepareFL.com. Use CFO Patronis’ Emergency Financial Preparedness Toolkit to help organize your financial information before and after a disaster.