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In a recent conversation with Business Insider, 76-year-old retired homebuilder William Fulford detailed his unwavering choice to stay in his "hurricane-proof" home in Hunters Point, Cortez, Florida, as Hurricane Milton approached. Situated 15 miles from the hurricane's eye, Fulford and his wife braced themselves as the storm unleashed gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour. Remarkably, their home sustained no damage.

The home, equipped with solar power, seamlessly transitioned to its solar energy system when the local grid failed. Fulford explained that the solar setup is efficient, charging during the day and powering through the night. However, he emphasized the necessity of conserving energy by minimizing the use of high-consumption appliances such as water heaters and microwaves.

With power restoration efforts underway, Fulford noted the current challenges of living without air conditioning but remained optimistic due to the relatively moderate temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Preparations for Hurricane Milton included parking a car on higher ground in Bradenton, which proved prudent as the vehicle remained unscathed and accessible for retrieval the following day.

Contrary to forecasts predicting a significant storm surge of 10 feet, Fulford revealed that their area experienced no surge at all. Even though the bulkhead remained unbreached, Fulford remained vigilant throughout the storm. He shared a moment when he fixed sliding doors that started to give way to the wind, potentially preventing further damage to their living room.

The surrounding area, however, did not fare as well. Fulford described devastating scenes in nearby lower-lying areas, including a small trailer park where two-thirds of the roofs were ripped off. The destruction extended to Bradenton, where a ten-mile stretch was left without power, and downed power lines created hazardous conditions.

Reflecting on his decision to stay, Fulford expressed a sense of responsibility and control over his property. Despite the risks and his wife's nervousness, he found a degree of excitement in witnessing nature's power while acknowledging the importance of not becoming overconfident. For Fulford, staying at home during the hurricane was about ensuring the safety and integrity of his property, highlighting the personal choice that underpins such decisions.