The best way to protect your family during a severe storm is to have a plan in place before the wind starts to blow. Citizens has put together several resources to help you get ready and guide you through the recovery process.

To keep you informed, Citizens has partnered with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) to bring the latest news about catastrophic weather impacting your area. Following a storm, FPREN updates can be heard on public radio stations and on the Florida Storms mobile website.

The Citizens website also 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.

Going into the 2021 hurricane season, policyholders should:

• 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.
• Fill your vehicle with fuel, bring in lawn furniture and clean up your yard to minimize flying debris.
• Review your policy to learn about applicable deductibles. Get general information about coverages and deductibles in the Learning section of our website. You also can call your agent for help.
• Register for myPolicy customer portal to view your policy, claims and billing information. Verify that Citizens has up-to-date contact and mortgage information. You can also use myPolicy to submit a claim online.
• 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.
• If you are directed to weather out the storm at home, find a spot away from windows and doors to hunker down. An interior room or closet is a good space. Keep your disaster supplies and family documents close.

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