Hurricane season has officially begun, and millions of homeowners now face months of storm risk—and the heavy costs that come after a storm hits. A newly released 175-page guide aims to equip homeowners to prepare before the storm strikes and safeguard their finances afterward.
The Hurricane Survival Guide, written by former Air Force meteorologist Bill Combes, walks homeowners through every step of a storm: how to prepare, how to stay safe, and how to recover without losing thousands of dollars in the process. Combes spent years tracking dangerous weather before most people knew it was coming and built storm-mapping software used by thousands of roofing companies, giving him insider knowledge of how repair and storm claims work after a storm. "Most guides stop the day the storm passes. That's exactly when families lose the most money," said Combes. "If you prepare the right way before the storm, you protect your home and your wallet for months afterward."
The guide covers pre-storm preparation, including simple plans that hold up under pressure, home protection steps, and supply lists that go beyond a basic kit, including documenting everything. During the storm, it offers advice on staying safe, staying in touch when power fails, and taking phone photos the right way to back up an insurance claim. After the storm, it details how to return home safely, spot hidden damage, manage contractors, avoid scams, and handle tough insurance claims.
State officials are urging early action for similar reasons. Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia said during the state's 2026 preparedness push in May: "The more prepared we are upfront, the better off we'll be on the back end, and the less it will cost on the back end. We cannot sit back and hope. We have to prepare."
The guide is available now as an instant digital download at thehurricanesurvivalguide.com. Readers can immediately implement its strategies before the first storm develops. Even one tip—a single photo taken the right way, or one bad contractor turned away—can save a family thousands of dollars. The guide also offers a Hurricane Survival Quiz that provides a personalized report.
As hurricane season progresses, the importance of such resources cannot be overstated. The hardest part of a hurricane often comes weeks later, when cleanup bills, contractors, and insurance fights begin. This guide is built to help families through that part, not just the storm itself. By acting now, before any warnings are issued, homeowners can avoid the rush that empties store shelves and books contractors.
