Are you searching, “A tree fell on my house, what do I do?” While the situation may feel overwhelming, following the proper steps helps ensure safety and jump-start your recovery.
Meadows Tree Service offers prompt and effective tree services in Foster, TX. In this post, our experts discuss what causes trees to fall and provide a step-by-step process for handling it safely.
What Causes a Trunk To Topple?
Several events and conditions can cause a maple, oak, or pine to fall onto a structure. Thankfully, you can avoid most of them by scheduling annual inspections. Many trees fall over during intense wind, but typically only if they have pre-existing issues.
An overgrown canopy can act like a sail, forcing the tree onto a home. Regular trimming can help prevent this. Trunks may also tumble if they lean beyond 15 degrees or have structural integrity problems from rot or disease. Also, soggy or eroded soil can uproot roots, preventing them from anchoring the heavy trunk above.
Follow These Steps When a Tree Falls on Your Home
Following safety precautions should remain your top priority after a tree damages your home. Use the steps below to navigate the situation.
Evacuate the House
The first step should always involve getting to safety. Find every person (and pet) in the home and exit the house together. Get a safe distance from the damage, as the structure may collapse or pose hazards like broken glass.
Call Emergency Services
“A tree fell on my house, what do I do?” Hopefully, you thought to call 911 before entering the question in your search engine.
Call the police or fire department even if no one has a visible or serious injury. They can perform a damage assessment and structural inspection to determine if you may return home. They can also decide whether the situation poses a risk to surrounding properties.
Contact the Utility Company
A fallen trunk can hit pipes, power lines, and gas supplies. Call the utility company to examine and repair the damage before it causes more widespread issues. Failing to take this step could lead to further hazards and repair bills.
Call Your Insurance Agent
To start the insurance claims process, immediately call your agent. In some cases, insurance will pay to remove the obstruction and repair the damage. The sooner you reach out, the faster you can receive compensation.
Schedule Emergency Tree Removal
Call a removal service and tell them the situation. They should arrive the same day, cut the trunk up, and haul it away. You can then start the repair process.
Meadows Tree Service Promptly Removes Hazardous Trunks
Now you know the answer to “A tree fell on my house, what do I do?” Meadows Tree Service is the expert in keeping a tree alive, but we can promptly remove fallen trees too. We’re passionate about keeping our friends and neighbors safe and standing by to render emergency help.
Call (832) 692-4931 to schedule service.
