Be prepared if a storm strike becomes imminent.
Florida has 1,197 miles of coastline, and all of its cities are within 75 miles of the coast. There are no areas in Florida immune to the forces of a hurricane or tropical storm. If a storm strike becomes imminent, it will be imperative that you are prepared and informed.
Surges in consumer demand due to storms can cause disruptions in Florida’s fuel distribution system. Early preparation by consumers will reduce the strain on fuel distribution and will help ensure that fuel is available as needed.
For questions or to report fuel quality issues before or after a storm, consumers should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español.
Follow these tips when handling and storing fuel:
Prior to the threat of a disaster, families can create a personalized Family Disaster Plan at FloridaDisaster.org. This site provides checklists and important steps to take before, during and after the disaster. The plan should also address the issue of pets. If you anticipate needing transportation or any specialized assistance, register now with your county emergency management agency.
Don’t wait until a warning is issued and the stores are empty or closed to gather essential items for you and your family. The National Weather Service recommends including the following items in your emergency kit:
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
The Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act requires anyone who is paid to repair motor vehicles owned by other individuals to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The act applies to dealers of new and used cars, trucks and motorcycles; garages; service stations; self-employed persons; truck stops; and paint, body, brake, muffler, transmission, mobile repair and glass shops. The act establishes requirements for estimates and invoices. Review estimates and contracts carefully for language that may assign your insurance policy benefits directly to the repair shop. Visit our Motor Vehicle Repair webpage for more information.
Give wisely! All charities soliciting within the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies) are required to register and file financial information with FDACS. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español or use our online Check-A-Charity tool to find out if a charity is properly registered. You can also find out how much the charity is spending on administration and fundraising and how much money goes to actual programming.
Check the license and complaint history of contractors before signing a contract or agreeing to have anyone do work for you. Call the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at (850) 487-1395 or go to DBPR License Search. Do not sign an “Assignment of Benefits” form for a contractor if you have not been instructed to do so by your insurance company.
Do you have a complaint about a business? FDACS can help, regardless of whether we regulate the specific industry. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA or select File a Complaint for assistance.
Discard perishable food that has been stored in temperatures above 41 degrees F for four or more hours. Dispose of any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture or feels warm to the touch. If in doubt, throw it out! Inspect canned foods for damage. Damaged canned food shows swelling, leaking, punctures, holes, fractures, deep rusting, crushing or denting. If flooding occurs, discard any food that has come into contact with flood water unless it is in a waterproof container. Contact your county Department of Health if you suspect that your well may be contaminated.
The potential for water-contaminated fuel incidents increase after a considerable storm. If you witness flooding at a station during or immediately following a storm, report it to FDACS so we can have an inspector check the storage tanks for water contamination. Always keep the receipt of purchase and report any possible contaminated fuel incidents at 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español.
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Don’t respond to robocalls, text messages or emails regarding your insurance premiums or coverage. Call your local insurance agent or the company’s customer service number listed on your policy or insurance card to verify any messages you receive about your insurance.
If you live in a rental property that was damaged by the storm, you need to know your rights and responsibilities and those of your landlord. Visit Landlord/Tenant Law for more information or refer to Florida’s Landlord/Tenant Law, Chapter 83, Part II, Florida Statutes.
Anyone who suspects price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General at (866) 9NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.
Thieves will take advantage of power outages to install skimming devices. Always check for security measures on the pump and be aware of your surroundings. Look around for possible cameras or any suspicious equipment that doesn’t belong on the pump. Remember that not all pumps require security tape. Some pump systems have internal security. If in doubt, ask the store personnel about the pump security. Report any evident signs of tampering or unauthorized access to fuel dispensers at 1-800-HELP-FLA or 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español.
