DAYTON, Ohio -- Severe weather can strike quickly and leave behind costly damage. Many insurance policies cover severe weather damage; which can save people money should severe weather hit their home.

Six months after the September wind storm, tarps still cover damage on some roofs around the Miami Valley.

Matt Hemmelgarn, owner of Hemmelgarn Construction, and his crews have been fixing damage since the September wind storm.

“There’s been a tremendous amount of roofs that needed repair,” said Hemmelgarn. “A lot of single tabs blown off, sidings damaged, a lot of little things too: doors have been swung open, windows cracked and broken through.”

Most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover these repairs.

“We’ve had plenty of severe weather here lately and I think the main thing to do is just to reassure ones self that you have coverage for the major events,” said Bob Collins, managing partner with Barker, Beck Collins and Kronauge Insurance Agency.

Collins said major natural events like wind, lightning strikes, fire from lightning strikes and hail are covered under most plans.

Yet, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding caused when surface water backs up into the home from outside sources.

Those who live in a flood plain, or flood prone area need to get a separate flood insurance policy.

If severe weather does damage a resident’s home, he or she should call in the claim immediately.

“If you have a home that is damaged and then you have more weather problems, it can compound things even worse,” said Collins.

That’s why it’s important for people to plan ahead and make sure their insurance plan covered severe weather damages. Nobody knows when or where Mother Nature will strike.