When Hurricane Helene Grazed Clearwater: A Lesson in Backup Plans
October 1, 2024
Hurricane Helene came close enough to fry two UPS units, two TVs, and my internet speed. Here is what the near miss taught me about being ready.
Series: Survival
A series on real-world survival and disaster preparedness, drawn from living through hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes: how to get genuinely ready for the bad day without letting fear of it run your life.
SurvivalBracing for Hurricane Milton While Cleaning Up After Helene
October 6, 2024
With Milton strengthening in the Gulf days after Helene, I ran my whole preparedness checklist again. Here is exactly what I did to get ready.
SurvivalPreparing for a Category 5: My Hurricane Milton Experience and Advice
October 9, 2024
Milton reached Category 5 with 155 mph winds. Drawing on decades of disasters, here is my complete preparation routine and why pets belong at the center.
SurvivalHurricane Milton Was Truly Frightening: The Aftermath
October 12, 2024
Milton dropped a record 14.5 inches of rain and spawned two dozen tornadoes. Here is the firsthand aftermath and what it confirmed about readiness.
SurvivalFacing Hurricane Irma: 7 Lessons in Storm Survival
February 8, 2026
September 2017: the forecast confirmed Irma was coming straight for my corner of Florida, and we had days to get ready. I had ridden out storms before, but this one's numbers were ugly. Here are seven hard-earned lessons from preparing…
SurvivalThe Fire Jumped the Road Behind Me. I Had Nothing in the Car.
May 21, 2026
Fire on both sides of the road, and when I looked back it had jumped behind me. Years of camping experience and nothing in the car that helped.
SurvivalI Climbed Out of That Canyon at Eight at Night
June 28, 2026
Breathless at the top of a canyon at eight at night, explaining to a fireman named Kurt what had happened and where my father was.
SurvivalI Raised the Alarm on Pandemic Preparation. I Got Laughed Out of the Room.
August 3, 2026
I wrote this book because I'm angry. Angry that the information is available to anyone who looks and almost nobody in authority acts on it.
SurvivalHurricane Season: Do It Now, Because You Cannot Do It Later
August 26, 2026
Everything you need for a hurricane is on a shelf right now. The day it lands on the news, the water aisle is empty and the gas lines are around the block. Decide now whether you are leaving or staying,…