Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia told Brevard County residents on Aug. 14 to prepare for hurricanes now instead of waiting for a storm to approach. The warning came during a press conference in Cocoa, where Ingoglia joined Brevard County Fire Chief Jim Stables and emergency management officials. Ingoglia said Florida is in peak hurricane season and already seeing storm activity in the Atlantic. He emphasized that residents should not wait for a storm to form before taking action. "Simply taking a few proactive steps today makes all of the difference tomorrow," he said. "Use your normal grocery trips to build up supplies." Ingoglia recommended stocking water, canned food, and batteries. He also urged homeowners to review insurance policies and document property with photos and videos before a storm. "Make sure your coverage reflects the cost of rebuilding," he said. During the event, Ingoglia stressed the dangers of using generators indoors. "Do not run it inside. Do not run it in a garage," he said. "That puts first responders at risk." He warned that improper generator use could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. After a storm, Ingoglia told residents to be wary of scams. He advised verifying the licenses of contractors and insurance adjusters before signing agreements. The Florida Department of Financial Services offers resources to help residents check credentials. Ingoglia’s message comes as Brevard County braces for potential storms. The National Hurricane Center has not yet issued a tropical storm watch for the area, but officials say preparedness is critical. "We are already seeing movement in the Atlantic," Ingoglia said. "Storms can develop quickly." Local emergency management officials echoed the advice, urging residents to create emergency kits and have evacuation plans. "This is not a time to wait," Stables said. "The best defense is being ready ahead of time."