COLUMBUS, Ohio — Several weeks after tornadoes touched down across Ohio, impacted residents are still cleaning up from the damage.
The National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes touched down across the state, including several in central Ohio.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” said Bonnie Rice.
She and her husband Mike took refuge in their basement when an EF1 tornado tore through their Hilliard neighborhood and destroyed their home. It ripped the roof off, tore massive trees out of the ground and left their belongings scattered across their yard.
“At our age, starting all over again is a little bit scary and all our memories of 40 years are here. I know we have to make new memories but it is just hard,” Rice said.
The counties impacted by the tornadoes did not qualify for state or federal aid, according to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
Licking County Emergency Management Director Sean Grady said at least 25 homes would need to be damaged to qualify for aid.
“These types of storms highlight the need for homeowners and renters to make sure that they have the right insurance mix to cover these types of losses. The same is true for flood events since a typical homeowners policy will not cover flooding. The residents need to look at the National Flood Insurance Program for options for their area,” Grady said.
Rice said her insurance company has been helpful.
“Insurance has been amazing and our kids and families are just the best. They kind of ground us,” she said.
They plan to demolish their home, sell the property and find a new place to live.
“All I say to people is treasure your home and treasure your family because it can all be taken away in ten minutes, maximum ten minutes and it is gone,” she said.