The 2026 hurricane season has begun, and with it comes the annual threat to millions of homeowners. To address the financial and physical risks, a new comprehensive guide, The Hurricane Survival Guide, has been released. Written by former Air Force meteorologist Bill Combes, the 175-page digital manual provides a step-by-step plan for before, during, and after a hurricane.
Combes brings a unique perspective to the guide. Having spent years tracking dangerous weather as an Air Force meteorologist, he also built storm-mapping software used by thousands of roofing companies. This insider view of the repair and storm claims business, he says, is what most homeowners never see—and what often costs them the most. The guide aims to put that knowledge in homeowners' hands so they can prepare with confidence and protect their money.
The guide is divided into three main phases: before, during, and after the storm. Pre-storm preparation includes 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 covers safety, staying in touch when power fails, and taking phone photos the right way to back up insurance claims. Post-storm recovery focuses on returning home safely, spotting hidden damage, managing contractors, avoiding scams, and handling tough insurance claims.
“Most guides stop the day the storm passes. That's exactly when families lose the most money,” said Combes. “If you prepare the right way before the storm, you protect your home and your wallet for months afterward.”
The importance of early preparation is echoed by state officials. Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia said during 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 is now available as an instant digital download at thehurricanesurvivalguide.com. Combes encourages homeowners to act before any warnings are issued, noting that by the time a storm has a name, store shelves are empty and contractors are booked. A Hurricane Survival Quiz is also available on the site, offering a personalized report.
The guide's release comes at a critical time, as hurricane season traditionally runs from June through November. For business and technology leaders, the implications are clear: personal preparedness can reduce financial strain and operational disruptions. For the broader industry, the guide highlights a growing market for digital tools that help consumers navigate complex post-disaster recovery processes.
