Numerous families are affected by fallen trees each year. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms are largely responsible for downed trees. Heavy snow and ice can also cause their fair share of tree-related damage. In some cases, unusually high winds coupled with saturated soil can lead to uprooted trees. Other times, diseased or damaged trees simply can’t handle their own weight and ultimately break under the pressure.
Regardless of the reasons for trees falling on people’s properties, they can cause significant destruction. Roof damage is one of the most obvious repercussions, but it’s only one of the possibilities. Fallen trees cause significant damage to walls floors, and windows and well as the contents of a home. Their destruction can interfere with a house’s structural integrity as well. They can also pull down power and phone lines, damage gas lines, destroy cable and internet connections, and cause a great deal of additional damage.
What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your Home
All of that leaves quite a few people trying to figure out how to react when a tree falls on their home. Several measures should be taken in a situation like this from getting your family to safety to contacting professionals like those at Primo Philly Roofing to resolve the damage. Read on to learn which measures to take if you’re affected by a fallen tree.
Get Out of the House
If a tree falls on your house, your first priority should be getting everyone out. It’s not safe to stay in a house after it has been compromised by a fallen tree, even if the damage seems to be minor. Once everyone is safely outside, stay clear of the house. Avoid running back inside to save your valuables. Belongings can be replaced, but human life is priceless.
Call 911
From there, call 911 to get emergency services in route. When first responders arrive, they’ll assess the situation to determine which additional actions need to be taken. They’ll provide emergency medical care if needed. They’ll also contact your utility companies to shut off the power, gas, water, and other services if necessary to avoid further danger.
Call a Tree Removal Company
You’ll also need to contact a company to remove the tree. That’ll pave the way for insurance adjusters to evaluate the damage and for roofers and other contractors to make repairs. Don’t try to remove the tree on your own. Professionals know how to remove it safely without causing extensive additional damage or unnecessarily placing anyone in danger.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Next, you should contact your insurance company to report the incident and find out if the damage is covered. Homeowners insurance generally covers damage from fallen trees and may even cover the cost of tree removal. That being said, if the tree was in poor condition long before it fell, your insurance may not cover the resulting damage.
Contact a Professional Roofer
After getting in touch with your insurance company, it’s time to contact a professional roofer. Roofers will evaluate the damage to determine which repairs need to be made and how much they’ll cost. They’ll provide you with an estimate to give to your insurance company as well. In many cases, roofing companies can even help you with filing your insurance claim. Then, they’ll make the necessary repairs to get your home safe and livable again.
Getting Your Home Repaired After Tree Damage Occurs
Quite a few homeowners are affected by fallen trees each year. When a tree falls on your home, it can cause extensive damage and numerous residual hazards. If this happens to you, the steps listed here can help you safely and effectively resolve the situation.
