LOGAN COUNTY, Ohio — In March 2024, Ohio was affected by severe storm damage and tornadoes that rampaged their way through various counties statewide.

The damage affected Logan County, and residents are still working through the repercussions. However, while the cleanup effort continues, many people are relying on the money they get from their insurance companies to rebuild their homes.

What You Need To Know

• Indian Lake is an area of Ohio that was impacted by the heavy storm damage and is still recovering 

• Residents in the area are relying on insurance to help fix the damage 

• Insurance agents are suggesting, when filing claims, to submit all evidence in the form of video and pictures to their insurance agents

Fred Albert is a resident of Indian Lake and an army veteran who served in Vietnam in 1966. He is originally from California and moved to Ohio after marrying his wife. Albert is dealing with severe home damage. He said the residence holds sentimental value because it was passed down to his wife by her parents. He calls the home a family heirloom and now it’s destroyed. 

“They (Insurance Adjusters) wouldn’t even hook up the meter,” Albert said. “The gas or the power because it’s too far gone.” 

Albert said it’s disheartening for him to walk through his home and look at the physical damage. He cannot live in the home and during the severe storms, his insurance paid for a motel. As his home collapses, he has to file various insurance claims. Now, he’s waiting on a final decision from insurance adjusters for what his next steps are. Meanwhile, Hollanshead-Kinsey Ins. Agency has been receiving various phone calls, emails and claims. 

“There was, there’s just so much, so many calls and we were without power until Sunday,” said Jenny Claybaugh, an Insurance Agent with Hollanshead-Kinsey Ins. Agency. “So, we were trying to take claims at our home through our cellphones, which were not getting good reception.” 

Claybaugh says in these hard times she suggests to speed-up the process victims provide as much information as possible when filing a claim. She says people should take pictures, videos and anything that shows the damage. 

“It’s always best to contact your agent,” said Claybaugh. “We can get a claim filed and there can be temporary repairs done so to prevent further damage. So, if you need to tarp your roofs or things like that, that’s what you need to do. And then once we have the claim turned in and adjusters assigned, they will make arrangements with you to come look at your home and then the process just goes from there.” 

Meanwhile, for local residents like Albert, he is staying positive to get through hard times. 

“We were homeless for a while,” Albert said. “Had to stay in a motel. And it’s overwhelming. But you know what? We’re grateful that we’re still alive.”