Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging policyholders and other Northwest Florida residents to protect themselves and their families against Tropical Storm Michael, a fast moving storm that could reach hurricane strength before making landfall.

Over the weekend, Citizens began ramping up its own preparation to respond to claims along the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend regions of Florida. Effects of storm will begin being felt as early as Tuesday.

“Our policyholders need to take quick action to protect themselves and their families,” said Barry Gilway, Citizens President, CEO and Executive Director. “Be sure to follow instructions of local emergency management agencies. Citizens is preparing 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 through its website. 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 from iTunes and Google Play.

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 (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.