Hurricane season has officially begun, and millions of homeowners face months of storm risk along with the heavy costs that follow. To address this, the newly released Hurricane Survival Guide offers a comprehensive 175-page resource designed to equip homeowners with strategies for preparation, safety, and financial recovery. Written by former Air Force meteorologist Bill Combes, the guide covers every phase of a storm, from pre-landfall preparations to post-storm recovery, with a focus on protecting both homes and wallets.
Combes brings unique expertise to the guide. As a former Air Force meteorologist, he tracked dangerous weather before most people knew it was coming. He also developed storm-mapping software used by thousands of roofing companies, giving him inside knowledge of how the repair and storm claims business operates after a storm. This insider perspective is something most homeowners never see, and it is often the part that costs them the most. The guide aims to put that knowledge in homeowners' hands so they can prepare with confidence and protect their finances when others are being taken advantage of.
Unlike typical guides that stop when the storm passes, this one continues to show families how to avoid the two biggest post-hurricane financial drains: contractor scams and unfair insurance tactics. The guide is structured into 11 chapters covering what to do before and after the storm hits. State officials emphasize the importance of early preparation. Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia stated during the state's 2026 preparedness push, "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."
Inside the guide, readers will find detailed advice for each phase. Before the storm, it offers 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 covers staying safe, staying in touch when power fails, and taking phone photos correctly to back up insurance claims and restore the home to full working order. After the storm, it provides guidance on returning home safely, spotting hidden damage, managing contractors, avoiding scams, and handling tough insurance claims. This detailed playbook addresses the recovery process that many homeowners lack knowledge about.
The hardest part of a hurricane often comes weeks later, when cleanup bills, contractors, and insurance fights begin. The guide is built to help families through that part, not just the storm itself. 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. 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 encourages action before any warnings are issued, noting that by the time a storm has a name, store shelves are empty and contractors are booked.
