GULF BREEZE, Fla. — Hurricane season is eleven days away. Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia was in Gulf Breeze talking about the importance of getting ready now.
There are several things we can be doing right now to protect ourselves in the event of a storm. Ingoglia says the best thing you can do is be prepared.
That means to stock up at the grocery store, have an emergency safety kit, check generators, check your home and flood insurance coverage.
Ingoglia also recommends taking pictures and videos of your home and important items. It’s also critical to secure important documents in a dry box, and have cash on hand.
After the storm, Ingoglia recommends reporting damage to your agent or insurance company. Hire licensed professionals to make any repairs, but do not be in a hurry to sign any contracts.
Ingoglia shared the state-wide initiative underway right now to make sure storm preparedness is a priority.
“We’ve launched this just a couple of weeks ago,” Ingoglia said. “We’ve knocked on over 3,000 doors, so far. We are not going to stop until hurricane season is over. It’s going to be continual.”
“Ultimately, community readiness starts here with us,” Santa Rosa Public Safety Director Tom Lloyd said. “We encourage every resident and visitor to take the time this season to take it seriously, remain weather aware, and look out for you neighbors that may need a little extra assistance. Santa Rosa County is strongest when we prepare together, respond together.”
Hurricane season kicks off June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.