Even healthy, strong trees can fall, be uprooted, and end up on the ground. It is natural for trees to rot, die, or get damaged by severe storms or other acts of nature. A tree falling on a home can cause extensive damage to human life and properties. When you have a large tree in your backyard, this is a risk you will have to take.
When disaster strikes and your tree topples over, follow this action plan to ensure everyone’s safety and prevent further structural damage:
Evacuate Immediately
Don’t wait until tomorrow before you leave your home. Go to the main floor or any safe place as quick as possible. Make sure that everyone is accounted for and well away from the fallen tree or down power lines.
Call for Help
It doesn’t matter how small or big the fallen tree seems—you need to call for professional help to ensure that everything will be taken care of. Call tree emergency services and inform them about the situation. Since they are trained and licensed professionals, they will help you with the issue and discuss the best recourse.
Document the Damage for Insurance Claims
Once the area is safe, it’s time to put your smartphone to work. You can start taking photos and videos of property damage caused by the fallen tree. You are going to need this information to file an insurance claim or if someone files a liability insurance claim against you. If there is roof damage, do not climb the ladder, instead let a roofing professional take pictures of the roof. These pictures are vital for your insurance claim.
Call Your Insurance Company
If the fallen tree damaged your car, house, or any other important belongings, you could report it immediately to your insurance company before the tree removal starts. Your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the cost of the damage and reduce your out-of-pocket repair expenses. Likewise, the comprehensive coverage of your car insurance policy will cover the costs of auto repair and replacement.
Once the area has been fully inspected, your insurance agent or claims representative will report to start the claims process. According to Consumer Reports, the average amount paid by insurance companies for settled tree claims is $4,110. With this type of situation, your insurance policy will help you recover the expenses and be protected against any losses.
Call a Certified Arborist
Working with trees is a high-risk and dangerous business. When faced with such a situation, avoid cutting or grinding the tree yourself. Reach out to a professional arborist and tree care expert like Tree Removal Lancaster who can get the job done right.
These professionals are highly trained and knowledgeable to work with complex tree situations like dead or falling trees and branches. They have specialty equipment like cranes, loaders, and stump grinder to remove the fallen tree.
When you hire the top-notch tree care company in your area, they will assess the situation, perform the standard tree removal practices, and keep the area clean and safe. Experts know exactly how to avoid additional damage during the tree removal procedure.
Hire a Repair Contractor
For any visible property damage, call a contractor and get estimates for the repair work. They will determine the extent of the damage and the potential repair costs you need to deal with. You can reach out to roofing companies to inspect and repair damages to your roof. It is recommended to only make the final payment once all the repair work is done and you are satisfied with the service.