Are you wondering what to do when a tree falls on your house? At GM 2 Tree Services, LLC, we provide fast and reliable tree services in Oxford, CT.
When a trunk falls on a home, it requires a rapid and safe response. In this article, we discuss the six steps a homeowner should take to minimize injury and property damage.
Follow These Six Steps After a Trunk Damages Your Property
During a tree emergency, safety should remain your priority. Keep that in mind when proceeding through the following process.
1. Check on Everyone
Once a homeowner realizes a pine, oak, or other species fell on their home, they should prioritize checking on everyone. Start by finding the children and vulnerable adults.
In the best-case scenario, no one experienced any injury and wasn’t in a room damaged by the disaster. However, if someone expresses pain or difficulty moving, wait with them until help arrives. Unless the property has a serious risk of flooding or fire, moving them could cause permanent injury.
2. Evacuate the House
When you wonder what to do when a tree falls on your house, evacuation seems like the obvious step. However, if no one was injured, many people feel safer not leaving the home.
Always evacuate unless you cannot safely remove a family member. A fallen trunk and storm damage can sabotage the property’s utilities, putting it at risk for structural damage, fires, and more.
3. Call Emergency Services
Once everyone safely exits the house, call for emergency services. If someone is still trapped inside, have a person use their cell phone from outside. This prevents a spark from igniting due to a potential gas leak.
The 911 dispatcher will know which services to send. Depending on the extent of the damage, they’ll likely dispatch police, firefighters, and an ambulance.
The authorities will inspect the property to determine the risk to your family and neighbors. They may allow re-entry into the home, but you may need a place to stay for a few nights.
4. Contact the Utility Company
The next step in the process of what to do when a tree falls on your house includes calling the utility company. They’ll shut off the gas, water, and electricity to prevent further damage or safety threats. They’ll likely come and work with emergency services to determine the extent of the damage and evaluate any further risks.
5. Reach Out to Your Insurance Agent
Once everyone is safe, start the process of filing a tree insurance claim. Reach out to your homeowner’s insurance agent. They must advocate on your behalf and help you obtain the best possible compensation.
Does insurance cover damage from a fallen trunk? That depends. If the homeowner neglected to properly care for and maintain the plant, they could assume some liability for the incident.
6. Schedule Professional Fallen Tree Removal Services
After starting the insurance approval process, schedule service with a professional arbor care company. They follow all the state regulations and complete the job safely and without causing any further damage to the home. The sooner they arrive to help, the faster you can start repairing your home.
GM 2 Tree Services, LLC, Reacts Promptly in Emergencies
Now that you know what to do when a tree falls on your house, call GM 2 Tree Services, LLC for prompt removal services. We respond quickly and always prioritize safety. We know everything from how far a tree can lean before it falls to removing a fallen trunk without causing more damage.
Don’t delay. Call (860) 940-5783.