Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging policyholders and all others to take precautions to protect themselves and their families as Hurricane Ian threatens devastating winds, heavy rains, storm surge and flooding across Florida.

As Citizens ramps up its own preparation and response efforts, now is the time for all policyholders to prepare for the potential impact of Ian, which is expected to intensify into a potentially major hurricane threatening Florida’s Gulf Coast.

“As Hurricane Ian approaches, our longstanding and newer policyholders must take steps to ensure their personal safety,” said Barry Gilway, Citizens President, CEO and Executive Director. “Follow instructions of local emergency management agencies. Citizens is preparing all of its internal and external resources to be there when you need us.”

On Monday, Citizens sent an email to policyholders across the state urging them to prepare for the storm and providing information on how to file a claim and avoid post-hurricane scams. To help our policyholders stay abreast of developments, Citizens has 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 its free Florida Storms app from iTunes and Google Play.

The Citizens website features a Storm Tracker feed, which delivers real-time National Hurricane Center updates directly to your desktop and mobile device through its website. Citizens also offers storm preparation and response information through Facebook and Twitter at @citizens_fla.

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

• 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 contact Citizens first to report your claim. Policyholders can file a claim online at Citizens myPolicy website or by contacting their agent. Citizens representatives will also be available 24/7 by phone at 866.411.2742. More information can be found on the Citizens website.