Hurricane season has officially begun, and millions of homeowners face months of storm risk along with the heavy costs that follow. To address this, Bill Combes, a former Air Force meteorologist, has released The Hurricane Survival Guide, a comprehensive 175-page digital manual that walks homeowners through every stage of a hurricane: preparation, safety during the storm, and financial recovery afterward.
Combes, who spent years tracking dangerous weather and later built storm-mapping software used by thousands of roofing companies, provides insider knowledge on how the repair and storm claims business operates—a perspective most homeowners never see. The guide goes beyond typical preparedness manuals by focusing on the two main threats to a family's finances after a hurricane: contractor scams and unfair insurance tactics. It includes 11 chapters covering everything from creating a simple, effective plan and documenting property before the storm, to staying safe and communicating when power fails, to returning home safely, spotting hidden damage, managing contractors, and handling insurance claims.
State officials echo the importance of early preparation. Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia stated, "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." Combes emphasizes that most guides stop the day the storm passes, which is exactly when families lose the most money. "If you prepare the right way before the storm, you protect your home and your wallet for months afterward," he said.
The guide is available as an instant digital download at thehurricanesurvivalguide.com. Readers can immediately implement its strategies before the first 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. Combes also offers a Hurricane Survival Quiz that provides a personalized report based on the user's responses.
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 equip homeowners with the knowledge to prepare with confidence and protect their money when others are vulnerable.
