Having a large tree in your yard near your home can be a great thing, but it can also cause a lot of problems if it’s too close to your house. As sturdy as large trees can be, all it takes is one severe storm to have it fall and hit your roof. Even if the tree itself isn’t completely knocked over, falling branches can still do a lot of damage. It’s definitely a worst-case scenario when it comes to large trees on your property, and you need to know what to do if it happens to you.
Get to Safety
The first and most important thing to do when a tree falls on your property is to make sure everyone in your home is safe. Make sure your family and all of your pets are accounted for, and evacuate your home if necessary, especially if the tree has knocked over any power lines.
Assess the Damage
There’s only so much that you’ll be able to see yourself, but you should do your best to assess the damage to your home once you’re outside. A professional can get a closer look at the tree and your home, but you should at least be able to tell your insurance company what happened. Document everything that you see.
Prevent Further Damage
While you should never try to clean up damage from a fallen tree by yourself, you can do things to prevent any further damage to your property. First of all, shut off the gas to your home if you can. Gas lines are mostly underground, but they can still be damaged by an uprooted tree. Next, call a reputable contractor to cover up broken windows and holes in your walls with wooden boards or tarps. This will help keep the interior of your home safe.
Find a Place to Stay
It may be necessary to find a place to stay until your home is repaired. If the damage to your home is relatively minor, you might be able to stay in your house if you keep away from the damaged area.
Call Your Insurance Company and Arrange Repairs
Once you and your family are safe, it’s time to address the damage to your home. Contact your insurance company and have someone inspect your damaged house. Get a quote in writing, and document everything that you and the insurance agent sees. Once you know how much repairs will cost, contact a roofing professional to begin repairs.
When you’re dealing with something as catastrophic as a tree falling on your house, time is of the essence. Contact Revival Roofing as soon as possible for an estimate on repairs.
