OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) — Two years after the Arbor Day tornado devastated communities like Blair and Elkhorn, many residents are still working to recover.
The Omaha Community Foundation held a recovery commemoration, highlighting progress and the challenges that remain. For some homeowners, rebuilding is still an ongoing process after the storm destroyed their homes.
On April 26, 2024, Maggie Youngers, her husband, and their three children sheltered in their basement as the tornado tore apart their house.
“Your ears popped, and then it felt like somebody sat on your chest, like, sucked the air out of your lungs. And, yeah. And then it was just chaos,” Youngers said.
When she stepped outside afterward, she described the damage as overwhelming.
“It was just an absolute mess,” she said.
The family contacted their insurance company immediately, but the claims process stretched on for months.
“We just didn’t really know what to touch because insurance was very clear. Like don’t touch anything. We have to assess it,” Youngers said.
Their claim wasn’t processed until July.
“That was the first like instinct I had of like, this is going to be a long journey,” she said.
Youngers said carefully reviewing item valuations in their policy made a major difference.
“Our cabinets, our countertops, things like that. I went through and double checked on the market, what those were. It took a lot of time, but I think before that was all said and done, I think we probably captured over a hundred grand,” she said.
She now recommends documenting belongings regularly and asking detailed questions when signing insurance policies.
“Like we go through our house now every six months and it’s, we’re taking video. Um, you know, we’re keeping account of the higher-priced items,” she said.
Youngers emphasized the importance of staying patient through the process.
“I think the biggest piece of advice I have is, um, control your emotions with it because it is very emotional. It is. You’re looking at this and it’s like, this is a no brainer. Like this house is tore up. Like, why can’t you just say that?” she said.
Even after insurance, the family still had to cover about 20% to 25% of rebuilding costs, with assistance from the Omaha Community Foundation helping offset some expenses.
She later switched insurance providers after being quoted more than double her previous premium.
The foundation also advises residents to keep important documents—such as mortgage statements and insurance policies—organized and accessible in case of disaster.
Overall, the Omaha Community Foundation has distributed more than $1 million in aid to those affected by the tornado.
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