After a hurricane sweeps through an area, it can leave all kinds of destruction behind. A hurricane can easily take down a perfectly healthy tree, and an unhealthy tree with a weak trunk doesn't stand a chance against strong hurricane winds. If you had trees fall on your property due to a hurricane, it is important to know how to handle the situation.
Step #1: Check for Safety
First, you are going to want to check and see if everything is safe. If you have overhead powerlines that run next to your home, make sure the tree didn't hit or snag an overhead power line.
If an overhead power line was snagged, then you are going to want to call and report the down wire right away to the electrical company. Generally in that type of situation, the electrical company is going to send out their own tree service and professionals to remove the tree and deal with the downed line.
You are also going to want to make sure that the tree didn't harm anything else on your property. Don't approach and inspect things closer if it isn't safe.
Step #2: Document What Happened
Second, you are going to want to take pictures of the fallen tree and anything that it hit on its way down. These pictures can help the tree removal service know how long they are going to have to spend removing your tree, and what type of situation they are walking into. Pictures can help them bring out the right equipment.
Additionally, if your insurance covers storm damage, you may need the pictures for your insurance claim. Take are many pictures as possible to document what happened and what the damage looked like.
Step #3: Contact a Tree Service Company
Third, it is time to contact a tree service company. Most tree service companies are going to be really busy following a hurricane, so the sooner you call and get on the list, the better. Be sure to let them know if the tree is just on your property or if it is inside of your home, or blocking a road or driveway. This information will help the tree removal company prioritize their calls and know what equipment to bring.
At this time, if you have an insurance policy that covers storm damage, put in a call to your insurance provider as well.
When a tree falls on your property due to a hurricane, check out the safety of the situation before approaching. Always be careful around a fallen or damaged tree. Use pictures to document what happened and call a tree removal company and get an appointment as soon as possible. Be sure to reach out to your insurance company as well, as they may foot the bill for removing the tree.
For more information about tree removal, contact a company like Pete & Ron's Tree Service, Inc.
