Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging policyholders and other Florida residents to protect themselves and their families against Tropical Storm Laura, which poses a threat to the state.

Citizens is ramping up its preparation to respond to claims and is ready to assist customers should Laura make landfall over the weekend or early next week.

“Laura has the potential to have an impact here in Florida. Our policyholders and all Florida residents need to prepare themselves to take action,” said Barry Gilway, Citizens President/CEO and Executive Director. “Citizens is readying all of its internal and external resources to help you recover.”

To help our policyholders stay abreast of developments, the Citizens website features a Storm Tracker feed, which delivers real-time National Hurricane Center updates directly to your desktop and mobile device. Citizens also offers storm preparation and response information through Facebook and Twitter at @citizens_fla.

Citizens has also partnered with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) to bring the latest news about catastrophic weather impacting your area. FPREN updates can be heard on local public radio stations and by downloading their free Florida Storms app.

While keeping in touch with local emergency preparations, policyholders should:

• Review COVID-19 disaster recommendations at the CDC’s Hurricanes and COVID-19 site.
• Verify that Citizens has up-to-date contact and mortgage company information. You can review your information on record with Citizens through myPolicy or by contacting your Citizens agent.
• Ensure that all key property and family information (insurance policies, health records, financial records, pet records, identification details, home inventory, etc.) are stored in a safe, waterproof and easy to access location.
• Pack a disaster supply kit, learn your evacuation route and develop a family communication plan that includes emergency contact information. Don’t forget to create a plan for your pets! Not all emergency shelters allow pets.

If you suffer property damage, remember to Call Citizens First at 866.411.2742 to report a claim. Representatives are available 24/7. You may also file a claim online through the myPolicy website. More information can be found on the Citizens website.