tornado-storm-hurricane
Storm Damage Help . Fox Valley , Wisconsin

You Survived The Tornado. Now Let's Make Sure Your Insurance Claim Holds Up Too

On Monday, July 27, 2026, a confirmed tornado tore through Menasha and Appleton, with damage also reported in Neenah, Oshkosh, and surrounding Winnebago, Outagamie, and Calumet county communities. Miller Public Adjusters is based right here in Appleton, and we're already helping neighbors document damage and push back on lowball settlements.

  • EF-3 Preliminary NEWS rating
  • 30,000+ Customers without power
  • 111–135 mph Estimated peak winds
  • No Fatalities Reported as of Tuesday

Emergency Resources Right Now

If you're in an affected neighborhood, safety comes first, your claim comes second. Here's where to go for immediate help.

Report power outages

Menasha Utilities has said parts of the city may be without power for days due to downed transmission lines. Report outages directly to your utility.
Menasha Utilities: (920) 720-4207

Boil Water Order

A boil water order is in effect for affected areas of Menasha. Bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until the order is lifted.
City of Menasha Updates

City-wide curfew

Menasha Police have issued a curfew from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM until further notice to keep streets clear for crews and to prevent looting in damaged areas.
Menasha Police Dept

Road closures & travel advisory

Officials are asking people to avoid traveling into Menasha and affected parts of Appleton unless it's an emergency. Downed trees, power lines, and debris are blocking roadways.
511wi.gov Road Conditions

Shelter & disaster relief

The American Red Cross is coordinating shelter and immediate relief for displaced residents in the Fox Valley.
Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767

County emergency management

For local emergency updates and assistance requests, contact your county's emergency management office directly.
Winnebago County: (920) 232-1300

Your Insurance Claim

What To Know Right Now

Tornado and wind damage is generally covered under a standard homeowners or commercial property policy, but how the claim is scoped in the first two weeks often determines what you actually get paid. Here's how the process typically works.

  • 01

    Document everything before anything is touched or repaired

    Photograph and video every room, the roof, siding, fences, outbuildings, and any damaged personal property before tarping, boarding up, or cleanup begins. Insurers weigh their own initial inspection heavily, so your own record matters.

  • 02

    Report the claim, but be careful what you say

    File the claim promptly with your carrier. Stick to the facts of what happened, don't speculate about cause, extent, or cost, and don't accept a verbal estimate as final.

  • 03

    Get an independent damage assessment

    Insurance company adjusters work for the insurer, not you. A public adjuster or licensed contractor can identify damage the carrier's adjuster may minimize or miss, including hidden structural and water intrusion damage.

  • 04

    Review the settlement offer before signing anything

    Initial offers are frequently based on repair rather than full replacement, and may not include code-upgrade costs, debris removal, or additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable. You are not required to accept the first number.

  • 05

    Know your deductible

    Many Wisconsin policies apply a separate, often percentage-based, wind or hail deductible rather than your standard flat deductible. Ask your carrier which deductible applies to a tornado claim specifically, this can change your payout by thousands of dollars.

What To Do — And What To Avoid

The actions you take in the hours and days after a hailstorm significantly shape your claim. Here's what Miller recommends.

Do This

  • Photograph damage before any cleanup or repair
  • Keep receipts for temporary repairs, lodging, and meals
  • Get everything from your insurer in writing
  • Ask about additional living expense (ALE) coverage if displaced
  • Get a second, independent damage estimate

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Don't sign a contractor agreement on the spot
  • Don't throw away damaged items before they're documented
  • Don't accept a same-day cash settlement without review
  • Don't assume "cosmetic" damage isn't covered
  • Don't give a recorded statement without preparation

Watch For Storm Chasers

After major storms, out-of-area contractors and "storm chasers" often go door to door in hard-hit neighborhoods offering fast repairs. Get at least one local, licensed estimate before signing anything, and be wary of anyone asking you to sign over your insurance claim or pressuring you to decide immediately.