Hurricane season has officially begun, and millions of homeowners face months of storm risk and the heavy costs that follow. A new resource, The Hurricane Survival Guide, aims to equip homeowners with the knowledge to prepare before the storm hits and safeguard their finances afterward. Written by former Air Force meteorologist Bill Combes, the 175-page digital manual covers every step of a storm—from preparation to recovery—with a focus on avoiding the financial pitfalls that often drain bank accounts after a hurricane.
Combes brings unique expertise to the guide. As a former Air Force meteorologist, he spent years tracking dangerous weather before most people knew it was coming. He also built a storm-mapping software used by thousands of roofing companies, giving him insider knowledge of how repair and storm claims businesses operate after a storm. This perspective, he says, is critical because most homeowners never see that side of the process, and it's the part that costs them the most. "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 goes beyond typical disaster prep manuals. It is divided into 11 chapters covering 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, the guide advises on staying safe, staying in touch when power fails, and taking phone photos correctly to back up insurance claims. The post-storm section is especially detailed, covering how to return home safely, spot hidden damage, manage contractors, avoid scams, and handle tough insurance claims. This focus on recovery is what sets the guide apart, as many homeowners lack knowledge of the recovery process.
State officials are urging early preparation for the same reasons. Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia emphasized this when he launched 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 aligns with this message, providing actionable strategies that can save families thousands of dollars. Even one tip—a single photo taken the right way, or one bad contractor turned away—can make a significant difference.
The Hurricane Survival Guide is available now as an instant digital download at thehurricanesurvivalguide.com. Readers can immediately implement its strategies before the first storm develops. The guide also offers a Hurricane Survival Quiz that provides a personalized report. With hurricane season underway, acting now is crucial. By the time a storm has a name, store shelves are empty and contractors are booked. The guide aims to put knowledge in homeowners' hands so they can prepare with confidence and protect their money when others are getting taken advantage of.
