The Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun, and millions of homeowners are facing months of potential storm risk. To help families navigate the dangers and financial burdens that follow, former Air Force meteorologist Bill Combes has released The Hurricane Survival Guide, a 175-page digital manual designed to equip homeowners with strategies for every stage of a storm.
Combes, who spent years tracking severe weather before most people knew it was coming, also built storm-mapping software used by thousands of roofing companies. This insider perspective gives him a unique understanding of how the repair and insurance claims process works after a storm—knowledge that can save homeowners thousands of dollars. “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 all phases of a hurricane: preparation, safety during the storm, and recovery. It includes practical advice such as creating simple plans that hold up under pressure, taking photos correctly to back up insurance claims, and managing contractors after the storm. A key focus is on avoiding two common financial drains: contractor scams and unfair insurance tactics. The guide also provides a detailed playbook for inspecting damage, filing claims, and negotiating with insurers.
State officials echo the importance of early preparation. Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia emphasized this when launching 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 Hurricane Survival Guide is available as an instant digital download at thehurricanesurvivalguide.com. Readers can implement its strategies immediately, before any storm develops. Even one tip—such as taking a single photo the right way or turning away a bad contractor—can save a family thousands of dollars. For those unsure where to start, a free Hurricane Survival Quiz provides a personalized report.
By the time a storm has a name, store shelves are empty and contractors are booked. Acting now can make all the difference. The guide goes beyond typical preparedness manuals, continuing its advice long after the storm passes to help families recover financially.
