Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging policyholders and other Florida residents to prepare themselves and their families for Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane and make landfall Wednesday along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Citizens is ramping up its own preparation to respond to claims and is ready to assist customers impacted by Idalia, a potential Category 3 hurricane that threatens Florida’s low-lying Big Bend region with high winds, rain and potentially destructive storm surge.

"Our policyholders and all Florida residents need to pay attention to local emergency managers and ready themselves to take action," said Tim Cerio, Citizens’ President/CEO and Executive Director. "Citizens is preparing its internal and external resources to be there if and when you need us."

To help our policyholders stay informed, 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 X (formerly known as Twitter) at @citizens_fla.

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 their free Florida Storms app.

While staying connected 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 online through myPolicy or by calling 866.411.2742 to report a claim. Representatives are available 24/7. More information can be found on the Citizens website.