On a Sunday evening in May 2011, the Missouri town of Joplin was devastated by an EF-5 tornado that took more than 120 lives, destroyed 8,000 buildings, and caused nearly $2 billion in insured losses.
One year later, Joplin continues to recover. But progress in the year since has been impressive, even to experienced claims professionals.
In April, State Auto Claims Supervisor Bob Langan and Senior Claims Adjuster Paul Douglas returned to Joplin, where one year prior they had been on the ground within hours after the tornado struck. They spoke with agents and insureds, and photographed a number of properties that were repaired in the months since.
Both Langan and Douglas found the hope and resolve of Joplin’s residents to be remarkable. From cleaning up debris to gutting homes and providing meals, neighbors helped neighbors and moved the Joplin community forward.
“That hope can still be seen in the area with homes being rebuilt and new homes rising from the ground,” says Douglas. “I’m proud to have played a very small part in the recovery as a representative of State Auto and the insurance industry.”
“Though I see devastation time and time again, the spirit of the community and residents coming together to help one another is great to see,” adds Langan.
Claim Manager Mark Chenetski remained in contact with insureds and agents in Joplin over the past year following his time in the area in the aftermath of the storm.
“The experience of seeing the devastation to property and the pain inflicted on the community leaves a permanent impression,” says Chenetski. “I have no doubt it’s made me a better claims professional.”
While there have been many storms since and many more will follow, the permanent impression Chenetski describes extends not only to State Auto, but also to the insurance industry itself.
“Our industry’s response was strong, but a year later our work’s not over,” says State Auto Vice President and Chief Claims Officer Steve Hunckler. “We remain a part of the Joplin community in a way that’s far beyond writing checks.”
Below are photographs from State Auto comparing the damage done to Joplin last year to the progress made and documented in April 2012.
