IRS Extends Tax Deadlines for Those Affected by Hurricane Florence; Other Agencies Reach Out

The Securities and Exchange Commission, for its part, is monitoring the storm's effects.

"The SEC is keeping a close eye on the progress of Hurricane Florence and any effects it may have on investors and capital markets. Dedicated staff stand ready to help ensure investors have access to their securities accounts, to evaluate the need to extend deadlines for filings and other regulatory requirements, and to keep a watchful eye for storm-related scams," SEC Chairman Jay Clayton says in a statement.

According to the agency, "SEC divisions and offices that oversee companies, accountants, investment advisers, mutual funds, brokerage firms, transfer agents and other regulated entities and investment professionals" will be keeping an eye out for "the possibility of granting relief from filing deadlines and other regulatory requirements for those affected by the storm."

And last but certainly not least, the Consumer Federation of America, which anticipates more than $10 billion in insured losses, reminds consumers to get ready to file claims from Hurricane Florence damage and offers suggestions on how to get all that they are fully entitled to from their insurers.

Among their suggestions is the need to report the claim as quickly as possible; keep claim numbers available; save receipts for any expenditures that might be covered, such as repairs, lodging and meals; and to be wary of contractors "offering" to make repairs.

The full list of suggestions is available on the federation's website.