MADISON, Wis. -- With all of the damage across southern Wisconsin, residents are busy cleaning up. Insurance adjusters are also hard at work.

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Whether it's a twisted tree that's now a part of your house or a garage door that no longer has a garage, these are things covered by insurance. Insurance companies say getting reimbursed is easy, but you must document the damage.

Residents hardest hit by the tornado awoke to a chorus of chain saws.

Uli Schamiloglu spent most of Thursday picking up shards of glass. He said picking up glass was easier than what he and his wife heard from the basement during the storm.

"It was like somebody piling a lot of bricks onto the roof," Schamiloglu said.

When Schamiloglu walked outside, trees were toppled as far as he could see. One tree was piled onto the roof, causing extensive damage.

"I actually wasn't prepared. What do you do when you lose a chimney?" Schamiloglu said.

You need to call an insurance adjuster. George Kattermann spent most of Thursday surveying damage.

"There's a small swath of damage extending about 12 to 14 blocks, about two blocks wide," said Kattermann, an American Family Insurance catastrophe claim director.

Kattermann said the damage he has seen is significant. Fortunately, most of it is covered.

"If a tree falls on your house, shed or fence, those things are covered," he said. "The damage to the actual property, plus the cost to remove the tree from that damaged structure is covered."

For residents who have lost power and continued to be without, the money spent on spoiling food should not be forgotten.

"Take pictures, save receipts, you don't want a bunch of smelly food sitting around your house for a long period of time," said Kattermann.

The damage adds up and for folks like Schamiloglu, it's going to be pretty pricey.

"I assume we're talking $5,000, $10,000 or maybe $20,000 altogether," he said.

To get the claims process started, call your insurance agent. You can also get a head start on cleanup, provided you remember to document what was done.

Also, keep in mind that damage varies widely, even as little as a block away. Those with the worst damage are being helped first.