How to Prepare for a Disaster

Citizens wants you to be prepared for a disaster. By taking a few simple steps when the weather is fair, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that you will be ready should disaster strike.

Conduct an Annual Policy Review with Your Agent

When any part of Florida is under an official tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning, you cannot apply for or increase your coverage. Be sure to talk with your agent, and review your policy annually to make sure your property is adequately covered for storm-related damage.

Update Contact Information

Work with your agent to ensure Citizens has up-to-date information for:

• Your contact information, including your email address and mobile phone number
• Your current mortgage company information

You can review your information on record with Citizens through Manage myPolicy (myPolicy) or by contacting your Citizens agent.

Gather Important Documents

Keeping important documents in a secure location is an important part of getting weather-ready. Take time to gather all of your key property and family information (insurance policies, health records, financial records, pet records, identification details, home inventory) and store them in one location. You can use myPolicy to view and download policy documents (excluding claims documents) and to enroll Personal Lines policies in paperless delivery. Keep copies of your policy documents in a safe place.

Additional Disaster Planning Tips

• Learn your evacuation route.
• Develop a family communication plan that includes emergency contact information.
• Pack a disaster supply kit.
• Don’t forget to create a plan for your pets! Not all emergency shelters allow pets.

Floods

Flooding is a natural disaster that can affect you no matter where you live, and Florida residents, especially those at the coast, are at a higher risk for flooding from storm surge related to tropical storms and hurricanes. Damage from rising water is not covered under most regular property and casualty insurance policies, including those written by Citizens.

Obtaining Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is available from the federal National Flood Insurance Program and from a few private-market insurance companies. Ask your agent for additional information about flood insurance.

Preparing for an Imminent Flood

If flooding is possible for your area, the following steps may help reduce water damage to your belongings:

• Move furniture and electronic devices off of the floor, especially on basement and first-floor levels
• Roll up area rugs, and get them off of the floor to reduce the likelihood they’ll get wet and develop mold or mildew
• Shut off electrical service at the main breaker if your home’s electrical system and outlets could be under water.