Fallen trees can create stressful emergencies without warning. Heavy winds, lightning, or soaked ground can quickly cause major damage and severe safety risks.
Knowing what to do when a tree falls on your house can help you stay calm, protect your family, and prevent further damage. Georgia Tree Service is the leader in emergency tree services in Milton, Georgia. Below, we explain what to do in this situation.
Start With Safety Before Anything Else
When disaster strikes, prioritize people over property. Damaged structures may be unstable or hide unseen hazards. Evacuate everyone, including pets, and move to a safe location away from the damaged area.
Look for immediate dangers, such as downed power lines, gas leaks, or sparks. If you see any, call 911 right away. Even if no one is injured, do not re-enter the house and keep a safe distance until local experts confirm it is safe.
Under all circumstances, stay clear of leaning limbs or electrical hazards. Never attempt to move the tree yourself.
Contact the Right Professionals Immediately
Knowing who to call when a tree falls on your house makes all the difference in your safety and your property’s structural integrity. After calling emergency responders if needed, get in touch with a licensed and insured emergency tree service. Local arborists have the tools and training to remove trees safely without worsening the damage.
Here are a few emergency tree removal tips to remember:
- Confirm that the company is insured for property damage and worker safety.
- Ask if they handle insurance coordination for debris removal.
- Check their online reviews to confirm trustworthiness.
Trustworthy local professionals can stabilize the structure, tarp exposed areas, and remove the fallen tree with cranes or rigging systems designed for safety.
Document the Damage Carefully
Knowing what to do if a tree falls on your house means documenting the damage before it gets cleaned up. Once everyone is safe, gather the essential information for your insurance claim. Take clear photos and videos from multiple angles showing the tree, the impact area, and any visible interior or exterior damage.
This documentation helps confirm home damage from fallen trees and speeds up your claims process. When contacting your insurance company, describe what happened, which part of the house was hit, and whether utilities were affected. As things progress, keep receipts for temporary lodging, tarps, and emergency repairs.
Stay Alert To Structural and Electrical Hazards
Even after the tree is gone, lingering problems can remain. Inspect your ceilings, walls, and foundations for cracks or leaks. Ask your contractor or arborist about storm damage tree safety measures to prevent future incidents, such as pruning or removing weakened trees near your home.
Call Georgia Tree Company When Trouble Strikes
Knowing what to do when a tree falls on your house means you’ll react faster and safer the next time severe weather hits Milton. While you’re here, read our related post on preventing trees from falling over during a storm.
For 24/7 emergency help, contact Georgia Tree Company at (404) 990-0010. Our certified arborists deliver fast, reliable service and peace of mind when you need it most.