When large storms roll into town, you may worry about flooding or wind damaging your property. However, you probably never thought about the chance of a tree falling on your home. While you might not think about it, your risk may be higher than you think, and you likely aren’t sure what to do when a tree falls on your home.
At Liberty Restoration, we understand how devastating the damage from a fallen tree can be on your home. It can lead to more significant structural damage across your home than you realize. If you want to learn more about what you should do when a tree falls on your home, keep reading.
Everything You Should Do When a Tree Falls on Your Home
When a tree falls on your home, there are several things you should do immediately afterward to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. These things include:
1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety
The first thing you should do after a tree falls on your home is ensure everyone is safe. This may include evacuating your space or preventing electrical hazards. If, when a tree falls on your home, it causes significant damage like a broken wall or roof, it is best for you to evacuate your home safely.
In the process of falling, the tree may also pull down electrical wires that can pose a substantial risk to your loved ones. While you may want to move these wires, it is best to avoid touching them, as this action may result in electrical shock. Your risk of electrical shock is especially high if there is standing water present near these wires.
2. Call Emergency Services
While this may not be necessary in every case, you may need to get in contact with emergency services after a tree falls on your home. If there are injuries or any life-threatening injuries, call 911 immediately to ensure your loved ones are safe. If you lose power or there are any downed power lines on your property, reach out to your utility company.
3. Document the Damage and Contact Your Insurance
When a tree falls on your home, it is important that you document the damage to the best of your ability. You must make sure to take detailed photos and videos of the damage to your home caused by the fallen trees. This documentation will be incredibly important for any insurance claims you make.
Once you’ve gotten this documentation, you will need to reach out to your homeowners’ insurance company about the damage. You should provide them with all of the documentation you gathered and follow their instructions regarding how to file a claim.
4. Secure the Area and Call for Home Restoration
If it is safe to do so after a tree falls on your home, you should cover the area where the tree fell with a tarp or plywood. By keeping this area covered, you can protect yourself from further home damage, like potential mold growth or severe water damage.
Once the area is safe from further storm damage, it is best to reach out to a home restoration company for emergency restoration. They can assess the damage and begin the cleanup and repair process. They can also safely remove the tree and make necessary repairs to your space.
How to Avoid Trees Falling and Other Storm Damage
Although it’s impossible to control the weather, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of trees falling on your home and other storm-related damage. Some of the best ways to prevent storm damage include:
- Perform Regular Tree Maintenance: If you want to protect yourself from potential fallen trees, perform regular inspections and prune trees as necessary. If you notice a tree exhibiting signs of disease and decay, you should consider having it removed.
- Clean Your Property: During a storm, items like lawn furniture, children’s toys, and outdoor cooking equipment can cause significant damage to your home. Before a storm, make sure to clean your property and store these items safely inside to keep your space safe from avoidable damage.
- Strengthen Your Home: If you have dealt with storm damage before and you want to take extra precautions, you might want to consider strengthening your home. You can add impact-resistant windows and doors and reinforce your roof to ensure it is strong enough to withstand storm damage.
- Stay Informed: One of the easiest ways to protect your home from storm damage is to stay informed. Sign up for weather alerts to stay informed about potential storms and have an evacuation plan in place in case you need to leave your home.
Comprehensive Storm Restoration Services Across Utah
While there are a lot of things you can do to protect your home from potential storm damage, there is always a chance you’ll still have to deal with this damage. If a tree falls on your home and you need to schedule restoration, it is essential that you work with a reliable home restoration company, like our team at Liberty Restoration.
For years, our team has provided the most reliable home restoration services to homeowners across Utah. We provide a variety of comprehensive restoration services to ensure your home is safe for your loved ones, addressing flooding, mold, asbestos, and more. If a tree has recently fallen on your home and you need help recovering or if you have any questions about our storm restoration services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.