Storm in Winter Garden damages Chef's Table owner's home, SUV

Laurie Tarter’s SUV was totaled and her roof perforated when a water oak tree fell on her home in a summer storm.

By Danielle Hendrix
| 2:45 p.m. August 9, 2016

West Orange Times & Observer
News

WINTER GARDEN Winter Garden resident Laurie Tarter was home alone July 22, when she heard a boom outside.

Outside, she saw a large water oak tree on top of her Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. Then, she heard the water coming in through her kitchen.

“I had been in my car 15 minutes prior so that’s a little scary, it happened very fast,” said Tarter, who owns The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater restaurant on Plant Street. “My Santa Fe seemed to have taken a big hit, but in doing so it kind of kept the tree from falling any more into or onto the house. I think the damage would have been worse had the car not been there to take one for the team.”

The summer storms that evening were enough to cause some damage and knock debris to the ground. Tarter said someone told her there had been 45 mph winds recorded, but the tree company told her they were surprised the tree fell, because it seemed to have been healthy.

“The hardest thing is, when something happens, I certainly wasn’t thinking straight,” she said. “When water is coming in your house, and you’re looking out your window to see your car smashed, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I don’t even know who I can call right now.’”

SHOW OF SUPPORT

Two weeks later, Tarter and her husband, Kevin, still have holes in their roof and are picking up the pieces of the aftermath. Their car insurance already has processed the claim, and Tarter has a rental car as they search for a replacement. The restoration company and adjuster came and went, and the Tarters are now waiting on quotes for necessary repairs.

Since then, the Winter Garden community and the couple’s friends have come together to offer support in any way needed. From offering shelter and the use of their vehicles, Tarter said the outpouring of love and support has been what makes her proud to call the town home.

“We’ve lived here for 10 years and owned the restaurant for eight years, and this community has the best bunch of people,” she said. “If catastrophe strikes and you’re in Winter Garden, chances are, your neighbors in this town will help take care of you. If it wasn’t for our friends and our neighbors, this wouldn’t be as easy as it has been for us.”

After it all, Tarter has two major takeaways: Find a reputable restoration company right away, and find an insurance agency who lives locally. Restoration companies will come in and measure levels of moisture in the home so they can identify problem areas and dry them out, which minimizes further damage.

“I’ve been a homeowner for 27 years and never used my home insurance once until now,” she said. “I really don’t know what I could have done to have been any more or less prepared.”

What to Do If It Happens to You

If your home, vehicle or other property sustains damage due to a storm or other natural disaster, the first thing to do is ensure that everyone is safe and OK. If the property feels unsafe, leave as soon as possible.

If wires are down, call the police and the power company. Do not try to mess with electric circuits, power poles or downed wires. If you can do so safely, take pictures or video of the damage. After this is done, it’s time to call the insurance company to file a claim and figure out your next steps. Insurance companies also can provide assistance in finding contractors, restoration companies and other entities who can help get the damage fixed or under control.

Had the downed tree in the Tarters’ yard been old or dying and not taken care of, the homeowners insurance could have decided that the loss was attributed to negligence, which can compromise the claim process. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep all trees properly maintained and remove those that are unhealthy or that could pose a threat in severe weather.

Many insurance companies have a preferred vendor list of contractors whom they have prescreened and approved. To be better prepared in advance, ask your insurance company if it has such a list. Most also can give advice on the first steps to take in such a situation.