For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 5, 2020 Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842   CFO Jimmy Patronis: Floridians Must Monitor and Prepare Now for Tropical Depression Eta   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Tropical Depression Eta is predicted to strengthen and threaten Florida communities as early as this weekend, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis urges Floridians to monitor weather reports closely and prepare immediately. For hurricane-related resources and information, visit CFO Patronis’ PrepareFL.com website that serves as a one-stop-shop for disaster preparedness information and tips to help Floridians ensure they are prepared.   CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Although it’s late in the 2020 Hurricane Season, Floridians cannot let their guard down. Tropical Depression Eta is moving towards South Florida and I’m urging residents in the projected path of this storm to monitor weather reports closely and prepare now. Eta is projected to bring heavy rain, wind, and probable flooding to communities in the Florida Keys and Southwest Florida by this weekend. As we’ve seen in the past, storms can change course and strengthen quickly, leaving little to no time to prepare so now is the time to ensure your disaster plan is in place. Florida residents should monitor the latest weather reports and visit PrepareFL.com now for important disaster preparedness resources to ensure you can recover quickly. Don’t wait until landfall is imminent, it may be too late.”   Disaster Preparedness Tips   • 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.

• Gather important financial documents. Collect all insurance, financial and other 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.

• 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.

Visit PrepareFL.com for more information and to start your storm plan today. CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline is available to assist Floridians with insurance issues and the claims process. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236), to talk to a knowledgeable insurance specialist Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.                                                                                          ###   About CFO Jimmy Patronis  Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).