Hurricane season has officially begun, and a new resource aims to help homeowners navigate the financial and safety challenges that come with it. The Hurricane Survival Guide, a 175-page digital manual written by former Air Force meteorologist Bill Combes, provides step-by-step instructions on preparing for a storm, staying safe during it, and recovering afterward without losing thousands of dollars.
Combes, who spent years tracking dangerous weather and later built storm-mapping software used by thousands of roofing companies, says the guide addresses a critical gap in typical hurricane preparedness materials. 'Most guides stop the day the storm passes. That's exactly when families lose the most money,' Combes said. 'If you prepare the right way before the storm, you protect your home and your wallet for months afterward.'
The guide covers before, during, and after the storm. Pre-storm sections include 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 advises on how to stay safe, stay in touch when power fails, and take phone photos correctly 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 echoing the need for early preparation. Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia, when launching the state's 2026 preparedness push in May, said, '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. Combes emphasizes that acting early is crucial: 'By the time a storm has a name, store shelves are empty and contractors are booked.' The guide also offers a Hurricane Survival Quiz that provides a personalized report.
The financial impact of hurricanes can be devastating, with homeowners often facing contractor scams and unfair insurance tactics in the aftermath. Combes wrote the guide to put insider knowledge in homeowners' hands, helping them prepare with confidence and protect their money when others are getting taken advantage of. Even one tip—a single photo taken the right way, or one bad contractor turned away—can save a family thousands of dollars.
