Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia outlines Hurricane Isaias preparations as emergency rescue teams stand ready to assist affected communities

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia has outlined the Florida Department of Financial Services’ emergency preparations for Hurricane Isaias, emphasizing public safety, rescue operations, insurance assistance, and protection against fraud as the storm approaches the Florida Panhandle.

Ingoglia joined Governor Ron DeSantis at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee to discuss the storm and provide updates on the state’s response efforts. Officials are preparing to assist communities that could be affected by the hurricane, with emergency personnel and additional resources ready to support residents during and after the storm.

With Hurricane Isaias expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle during the night, Ingoglia urged residents to remain inside, monitor official warnings, and follow instructions from emergency management agencies.

“With Hurricane Isaias making landfall in the Florida Panhandle tonight, now is the time to hunker down, stay indoors, and follow the alerts sent out by local, state, and emergency response officials. Floridians are no stranger to severe weather, however our priority is to protect Floridians and ensure that the impacted communities have the resources and assistance they need as they begin the recovery process. Stay safe, remain vigilant, and do not let your guard down until the storm has passed.”

The Florida Department of Financial Services has several divisions involved in the state’s hurricane response. Their responsibilities include supporting search and rescue operations, helping residents with insurance questions, and investigating possible fraud following the storm.

As State Fire Marshal, Ingoglia is responsible for coordinating Florida’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces during emergency activations. The rescue operation includes more than 475 members who are prepared to deploy after the hurricane moves through affected areas.

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These emergency teams will focus on locating and rescuing people who may be trapped or placed in dangerous situations because of the storm. Their work is intended to provide immediate, potentially life-saving assistance to residents in need.

The Urban Search and Rescue teams will also receive support from the Orange County Swift Water and Rescue team. This specialized group assists people affected by severe weather, including hurricanes, particularly when dangerous water conditions create additional risks.

Law enforcement personnel will also participate in the emergency response. The Department of Financial Services’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID) plans to work with local and state law enforcement agencies during search and rescue activities.

Two CID protection teams are currently assigned to accompany Urban Search and Rescue personnel and provide support during post-storm recovery operations.

Beyond emergency rescues, the division will focus on preventing fraud against residents dealing with hurricane damage. Officials warned that people affected by natural disasters can become targets for individuals attempting to take advantage of their circumstances.

CID officers will continue investigating and arresting suspected fraudsters who attempt to exploit vulnerable Floridians following the hurricane. Residents who have information about possible fraud are encouraged to report it through the state’s official website at FraudFreeFlorida.com.

Insurance assistance is another major part of the department’s preparations.

The DFS Division of Consumer Services has contacted 60 insurance companies to help establish insurance assistance hubs as quickly as possible after the storm. These locations are intended to support residents who need help understanding or beginning the insurance claims process following hurricane-related damage.

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Floridians whose homes, condominiums, or vehicles are damaged by Hurricane Isaias can contact the department for guidance about their insurance coverage and claims.

Residents can call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) to speak with an insurance expert about the steps involved in filing a post-storm claim. Additional information about insurance procedures and consumer assistance is available through the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Consumer Services website.

The department’s preparations cover both the immediate dangers associated with the hurricane and the challenges residents may face afterward, including property damage, insurance claims, and possible fraudulent activity.

As Hurricane Isaias approaches, Florida officials are urging residents to prioritize their safety, follow emergency alerts, and remain cautious until dangerous weather conditions have passed.

With rescue teams, law enforcement personnel, and insurance assistance resources being coordinated, the state is preparing to support affected communities as emergency response and recovery operations move forward.