Blaise Ingoglia visits Duval County on ninth stop of statewide hurricane preparedness tour

Atlantic Beach, Florida – Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia visited Duval County as part of a statewide tour focused on hurricane preparedness, urging residents to take action before the next major storm threatens the state.

Ingoglia’s visit to Atlantic Beach marked the ninth stop on the statewide hurricane preparedness tour. The hurricane season officially began June 1 and will continue through Nov. 30, with the period between August and October typically bringing the greatest number of storms.

While Florida has not yet been hit by a major storm this year, officials are warning residents not to mistake the quiet start to the season for a reason to delay preparations. A hurricane can affect communities far from where it makes landfall, bringing strong winds, flooding and other hazards across a wide area.

“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.”

The Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Consumer Services has been working to provide residents with information they can use before and after a hurricane. So far, the team has reached 23,310 Floridians with hurricane preparedness information, including 2,455 people in Duval County.

Atlantic Beach Police Chief Victor Gualillo also emphasized that preparing for a hurricane is not only the responsibility of emergency personnel. Residents have an important role to play in protecting themselves, their families and their property.

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“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.”

One of the first recommendations for homeowners is to review their insurance coverage before a storm arrives. Residents are encouraged to check both their home and flood insurance policies and compare available options to make sure they have the protection they need.

Creating a detailed home inventory is another important step. Officials recommend taking photographs and videos of the inside and outside of a home. Having a record of belongings and property conditions can be useful if damage occurs and an insurance claim must later be filed.

Important documents should also be protected. Residents are encouraged to keep them in a dry box or another secure location where they are less likely to be damaged by water. Having cash available is another part of the preparation guidance.

Once a storm passes, homeowners should report property damage to their insurance agent or insurance company. Emergency repairs may be necessary to prevent additional damage, but those repairs should be documented.

Photos, videos and written notes can help create a clear record of what happened. Residents should also remain cautious when dealing with contractors, adjusters and others offering services after a disaster.

Officials are warning people to watch for fraud and scams, particularly in the rush that can follow a hurricane. Before hiring someone to make repairs or handle an insurance matter, residents should verify that the person is properly licensed.

Homeowners are also being advised not to rush into signing a contract with a public adjuster. The Consumer Services helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO can be contacted first to determine whether assistance is available.

Personal information should be handled carefully as well. Residents should not provide sensitive information until they have thoroughly verified who is requesting it and why it is needed.

Public adjusters charge fees based on a percentage of the amount recovered from an insurance company, making it especially important for property owners to understand any agreement before signing.

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Vehicles require special attention after flooding. Officials said residents should not attempt to drive a flooded vehicle, even when the visible damage appears minor, such as wet floor mats. Instead, they should contact their insurance company, file a claim and follow the instructions provided.

When repairs are needed, residents are encouraged to hire licensed and reputable service providers, preferably businesses from their own community. Contractors should be properly insured, including liability and workers’ compensation coverage, and homeowners should ask to see proof of that coverage.

Officials also urged residents to be cautious about anyone who arrives after a storm offering help while demanding cash-only payment. Taking time to verify a contractor can help homeowners avoid additional financial problems during an already difficult period.

Ingoglia’s visit comes as Florida moves deeper into the part of the year when hurricane activity is typically highest. The message from state and local officials is straightforward: preparation should begin before a storm appears on the forecast.

Having insurance information, important documents, household records, emergency supplies and a plan in place can make it easier for residents to respond when severe weather arrives. And while no one can predict exactly where the next hurricane will strike, officials say Floridians can take steps now to be ready for its possible effects.