Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia arrived in Viera on August 14 for his seventh stop on a statewide hurricane preparedness tour. The visit comes as Florida enters the peak of hurricane season, with August to October historically seeing the most active storms. Ingoglia emphasized the importance of early preparation, noting that the Department of Financial Services has already provided safety resources to over 21,000 Floridians since the initiative began in May.
Ingoglia said residents should stock emergency supplies, secure documents, and review insurance coverage now rather than waiting for a storm to approach. 'Being proactive is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property,' he said during a brief stop at the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center. His visit included meetings with local officials and a demonstration of preparedness kits.
Brevard County Fire Chief Jim Stables praised the initiative, saying panic can spread quickly during storms but that preparation helps mitigate fear. 'Thank you, CFO Ingoglia, for equipping our residents with tips that can keep us safe,' Stables said. He noted that the county's 1.4 million residents face unique risks due to the area's coastal geography and frequent summer thunderstorms.
Brevard County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Michael DeMorat highlighted the role of local deputies in emergency response. 'Proactive steps now make it easier for our deputies to keep communities safe when a storm strikes,' he said. The sheriff's office has conducted 45 preparedness workshops in the county this year, reaching over 2,000 residents.
Ingoglia's tour will continue through October, with stops planned in six other counties. His office has partnered with the Red Cross and local utility companies to distribute 5,000 free emergency kits statewide. The next Brevard County event is scheduled for September 1 at the Melbourne Regional Airport.