What To Do If A Tree Falls On Your Roof
If you live in an area with high winds, hurricanes or tornadoes the fear of a tree falling on your home is very real. There is no way you can predict these types of incidents. If you have homeowners insurance it should cover this type of damage.
We have a plan in case of flood, we have a hurricane evacuation plan and in some areas we make plans for earthquakes. The roof and tree incident is one that we only think about when it may imminent. Read on to find out some steps you can take to prevent this and also what steps to take if it happens to you.
1. If you live in an area that this is a real possibility then it is important that you maintain the health of your trees. Having the "Tree Doctor" give them a check up every six months is best. This way you can get rid of dead or dying limbs and take care of any diseases. This will strengthen the tree and make it less likely to break in a high wind. 2. If it does occur you have to get a tarp over the house to minimize the damage from wind and rain. Be careful about going inside since the roof may have suffered structural damage and there may be falling debris.
3. Alert the fire Department or the police. This is important since there may be downed power lines. They can get the electricity shut off immediately, if it is needed.
4. Now find out if there is any danger to any adjacent properties, your property and make certain that all the family is safe and out of the house. The firemen or police personnel will give you directions if there is danger.
5. Call a tree service to schedule the removal of the tree as soon as you can. Since this type of thing happens generally when the services are closed leave tehm a message and a number to return your call.
6. Call your insurance company. File your claim. Generally they will get back to you within 24hours. Have all of your insurance information handy when you make the call.
7. Photographs everything from all angles. It is important that you get shots that capture the true nature and extent of the damage.
8. Be prepared to spend the night or a couple of nights in a hotel or shelter if the damage is severe. It is important that you remain calm since your family will be taking their emotional cues from you.
It is devastating to have a tree fall on your house, but as long as you and your family get out unharmed the rest can be fixed. No amount of preventative actions can prevent all accidents. Stay calm, make the appropriate phone calls and thank the powers that be that you got out alive.
We have a plan in case of flood, we have a hurricane evacuation plan and in some areas we make plans for earthquakes. The roof and tree incident is one that we only think about when it may imminent. Read on to find out some steps you can take to prevent this and also what steps to take if it happens to you.
1. If you live in an area that this is a real possibility then it is important that you maintain the health of your trees. Having the "Tree Doctor" give them a check up every six months is best. This way you can get rid of dead or dying limbs and take care of any diseases. This will strengthen the tree and make it less likely to break in a high wind. 2. If it does occur you have to get a tarp over the house to minimize the damage from wind and rain. Be careful about going inside since the roof may have suffered structural damage and there may be falling debris.
3. Alert the fire Department or the police. This is important since there may be downed power lines. They can get the electricity shut off immediately, if it is needed.
4. Now find out if there is any danger to any adjacent properties, your property and make certain that all the family is safe and out of the house. The firemen or police personnel will give you directions if there is danger.
5. Call a tree service to schedule the removal of the tree as soon as you can. Since this type of thing happens generally when the services are closed leave tehm a message and a number to return your call.
6. Call your insurance company. File your claim. Generally they will get back to you within 24hours. Have all of your insurance information handy when you make the call.
7. Photographs everything from all angles. It is important that you get shots that capture the true nature and extent of the damage.
8. Be prepared to spend the night or a couple of nights in a hotel or shelter if the damage is severe. It is important that you remain calm since your family will be taking their emotional cues from you.
It is devastating to have a tree fall on your house, but as long as you and your family get out unharmed the rest can be fixed. No amount of preventative actions can prevent all accidents. Stay calm, make the appropriate phone calls and thank the powers that be that you got out alive.
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