No matter how it happens, a tree falling on your property can be a significant headache. First, it poses an injury risk. In addition, it could damage power lines, vehicles, and neighboring homes. Anything from bad weather to improperly maintained trees can lead to such incidents. Regardless of the cause, knowing what to do when a tree falls on your property and dealing with it correctly is essential.
People have been hurt needlessly in downed-tree incidents. Keep reading for guidelines worth remembering when dealing with the fallout from a fallen tree.
Fallen Tree? Make Sure Your Family Is Safe
First and foremost, you must ensure the safety of any building occupants. This should go without saying, but it’s easy to lose track of priorities in the chaos following a tree landing on your property. Please ensure no one has sustained injuries and get everyone away from the incident site.
If the tree has left anyone trapped, don’t try to free them yourself. Moving anything, whether part of a tree or a structure, can cause additional damage. It could even lead to injury if something falls on you or the person you’re helping. Call 911 immediately and wait until you’ve received guidance before doing anything.
Determine If the Tree Hit Any Electrical Lines
When trees fall in residential areas, there’s a strong chance they might connect with power lines on the way down. This is a dangerous situation. A downed line can still be functioning and could electrocute someone or start a fire. If a tree falls on or near your house and your lights are flickering or out, it has downed a line; call both 911 and your electric company immediately.
If you’re unsure if a power line is down, take precautions by shutting your home’s electrical power off at the breaker panel. And in cases where you smell smoke, get everyone out of the house and call for help from a safe location, like at a neighbor’s place.
Inform Your Insurance Company about the Tree
Although instinct might tell you to start picking up the tree, you must talk to your insurance provider first. An adjuster will come out and catalog the damage to file the claim, so you mustn’t tamper with anything before their arrival. Beyond legal issues, this is dangerous because moving branches could cause damaged structures to shift or fall.
When it comes to falling trees, the number one solution is prevention. By taking care of specimens with proper trimming and maintenance, you can avoid trees falling in the first place. For more information about what to do when a tree falls on your property or for a free quote, connect with our expert team at Engram’s Tree Service now.