Just over a year ago, on March 14, 2024, an EF3 tornado tore through Indian Lake in Logan County, Ohio, leaving a path of devastation in its wake. Located about 60 miles northwest of Columbus, the storm hit a local trailer park particularly hard, tragically claiming three lives, injuring many others, and leveling homes.
In the aftermath of the disaster, OIA visited the community to witness the impact firsthand. We had a deeply moving conversation with local insurance agency leaders Ben Nelson, Carrie Reynolds, and Jeff Sunderhaus in Russells Point. Ohio Department of Insurance Director Judith French, along with her team members George McNab and Jana Jarett, also joined us as we met with local agencies to discuss the rebuilding efforts and explore how ODI could provide support.
Among those affected was the Hollanshead-Kinsey Insurance Agency, a member of the Ohio Insurance & Financial Services family, which found itself directly in the tornado’s path. Despite their own challenges, they remained steadfast in helping clients recover and rebuild. Amid the devastation, it was inspiring to see the community come together—proving that even in the face of tragedy, resilience and support can shine through.
A New Chapter: Rebuilding Together
One year after the disaster, the Indian Lake community has rallied together to rebuild. While some residents have made significant progress toward recovery, many still face challenges, and the road ahead remains long.
Lakeview Mayor Elaine Fagan-Moore highlighted the extensive impact on both individuals and the city itself. Beyond the personal and property losses suffered by residents, city infrastructure—including vehicles, office supplies, and furniture—was also severely affected. “And I think that’s the same thing we saw families go through,” said Fagan-Moore. “How many people really have that inventory in their mind, what they had or what they lost?” (Seabrooks, WDTN, 2025).
Recovering from disasters like the one at Indian Lake is a complex and arduous process. Families, businesses, and insurance companies must truly collaborate to assess damage and process claims. Despite the challenges, the Indian Lake area has been able to make remarkable progress thanks to the dedication and active involvement of community leaders and independent agencies from day one of recovery.
For Mayor Fagan-Moore’s full account and additional interviews from the community, visit WDTN’s website.
Tornado Alley Redefined
When you hear the term “Tornado Alley,” your mind might immediately picture the vast Kansas plains where Dorothy Gale was swept away in The Wizard of Oz, or the storm-chasing drama of Oklahoma’s farmland in Twister.
However, tornadoes can strike anywhere, and in recent years, the most tornado-prone regions have actually been shifting closer and closer to the Midwest. According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), Ohio ranked 10th in documented tornadoes and 13th in overall severe weather activity—including tornadoes, high winds, and hail—in 2024.
2025 is already showing to be a year of high activity for severe storms and tornadoes. Data shown below highlights over 300 documented tornadoes across the United States already this year. Ohio hadn’t yet had any documented tornadoes until the recent storms that rolled through the last week in March, resulting in four documented touchdowns in Southwest Ohio. There’s also been a strong precedent set for severe winds, measurable gusts, and hail, resulting in 87 instances across the state as of early April.
Source: National Weather Service (NOAA)
Staying Prepared for Severe Weather – Advising Clients and Office Staff
In a recent news release, the Ohio Department of Commerce and the Ohio Department of Insurance highlighted the importance of severe weather preparedness—particularly for communities like Indian Lake, where many residents live in manufactured homes.
“Individuals living in manufactured homes are more vulnerable to severe weather impacts than those in permanent structures,” stated Robb Coventry, superintendent of the Division of Industrial Compliance. “As we saw this time last year, major weather events like tornadoes can strike Ohio communities with little warning. Taking steps to prepare today can make a huge difference if severe weather occurs.” (Ohio Department of Commerce News Release)
According to the National Weather Service, Ohio’s peak tornado season runs from April to June. Unfortunately, many people face the reality of filing insurance claims for the first time after storms—only to discover their basic coverage lacks the protection they expected. This emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps.
How can independent agents help clients prepare and strengthen their role as trusted community advisors? Here are some ways to enhance your credibility and partnership:
- Review Their Homeowners Coverage
-
- Ensure clients understand what their policy covers, and any exclusions related to wind, hail, and flood damage.
-
- Discuss deductibles and whether they have separate wind/hail deductibles.
-
- Offer a policy review to confirm they have adequate dwelling and personal property coverage.
- Encourage a Home Inventory
-
- Suggest clients document their belongings through photos/videos and store them digitally.
-
- Provide a printable or digital home inventory checklist.
- Discuss Flood Insurance
-
- Many homeowners don’t realize that standard policies don’t cover flood damage.
-
- Educate them on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private flood insurance options.
- Promote Emergency Preparedness
-
- Share a severe weather preparedness checklist (including a safe room location, emergency supplies, and communication plans).
-
- Advise clients to sign up for weather alerts (e.g., NOAA Weather Radio, local alert systems).
- Offer Policy Reviews & Community Resources
-
- Remind small business owners to check business interruption coverage.
-
- Advise clients to confirm if their auto policy covers storm-related damage.
-
- Compile and share contact information for local emergency management agencies, shelters, and disaster relief organizations.
-
- Consider hosting an in-person or virtual Q&A about severe weather risks and insurance coverage.
- Leverage Social Media & Newsletters
-
- Regularly post storm safety tips and policy reminders.
-
- Share success stories of clients who were well-prepared thanks to proper coverage.
Although weather is unpredictable, independent agents can offer reliable service and act as a trusted resource for clients before and after storms. Prior to severe weather events, ensure clients are aware of comprehensive coverage options and additional resources that can provide peace of mind.
If your own business is impacted by severe weather, having a clear game plan for returning to normalcy is essential. The Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT) has developed a Disaster Planning Guide to help agencies prepare their employees, office, data, systems, and clients. This guide is available for free to OIA members on the IIABA website.
Interested in donating to the Indian Lake Tornado Relief Fund? Consider donating to the United Way of Logan County. With over $1 million donated over the past year, the fundraiser continues to act as an anchor for the Logan County community.
For questions or assistance in finding disaster preparedness resources from OIA, visit our Resource Center or contact Jeanie Giesler, Resource Center Advisor, at (614) 552-3054.
About the Author:
Alex Bowie is a marketing professional currently serving as the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications at the Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. (OIA). In this role, he leads the association’s marketing and communication strategies, elevating OIA’s brand presence and member engagement.
Alex joined OIA as a Marketing Coordinator, collaborating closely with the HR Solutions department. His prior experience in human resources and the insurance sector—particularly at the insurtech company, Branch—has been instrumental in enhancing OIA’s outreach and engagement efforts.
Sources:
https://insurance.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/news-release-commerce-insurance
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/summary/
https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2025/03/14/indian-lake-tornado-anniversary-
https://www.weather.gov/cae/tornadobymonth.html
Thumbnail photo: 10tv
