What Should You Do If a Tree Falls on Your House During a Storm?

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

A tree fell on a home after a storm

It's a situation no one wants to be in, but sometimes, storm damage cleanup involves getting a tree off a house. If you're in Saunders County, SERVPRO of Omaha West is faster to any size of disaster. Here's what to do if the worst happens.

What Should You Do If a Tree Falls on Your House During a Storm?

Immediate Steps

If a tree falls on your house during a storm, the first thing you should do is make sure that everyone in the house is safe and accounted for. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If the damage is severe, evacuate the house and call for help from a safe location.

If it is safe to do so, turn off any gas, electricity, and water main valves to prevent further damage or injury. It is important to turn off the gas and electricity after a tree falls on your house to prevent further damage or injury. If the tree has damaged gas lines or electrical wires, turning off the gas and electricity will prevent the risk of fire or explosion.

Turning Off Gas

To turn off the gas, locate the main gas valve, which is usually found near the gas meter. It is usually a round valve that is turned with a wrench. Turn the valve to the "off" position.

Turning Off Electric

To turn off the electricity, locate the main breaker box, which is usually found in a utility room or basement. The main breaker is a large switch that controls the flow of electricity to the entire house. Flip the main breaker to the "off" position.

It is important only to turn off the gas and electricity if it is safe to do so. If you are unsure how to turn off the gas or electricity, or if you are unable to access the main valves or breaker box, do not try to turn them off. Call your gas and electricity providers for assistance.

Call for Storm Damage Cleanup Help

It is generally not recommended to remove a fallen tree yourself, especially if it has fallen on your house. Removing a tree can be dangerous and requires specialized equipment and training. It is important to have a professional tree removal service remove the tree and clean up the debris. They have the experience and equipment to safely remove the tree and minimize further damage to your property.

Document

It is important to document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos of the fallen tree, any damage to the house, and any injuries sustained. Contact your insurance company to report the damage. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the extent of coverage.

In the meantime, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to the house, such as covering holes in the roof with tarps to keep out the rain.

Get Fast Help in Saunders County

If a falling tree has damaged your home, call us at SERVPRO of Omaha West / Saunders County right away at (402) 835-5985. We're the premier restoration company in area, and we can get you back in your house fast.