Our area can experience strong winds during the fall. Sometimes, those winds can take down limbs and entire trees, causing all sorts of trouble. If you encounter a tree emergency, which typically involves property damage or a safety hazard, follow these steps to ensure safety and find a resolution.
1. Assess the Situation From a Distance
Regardless of when or how it happens, when a tree or branch falls, it’s always a surprise. Your first instinct might be to inspect the damage up close, but resist this urge. Instead of moving closer to the tree, do the opposite. Gather the people and pets in your household and make sure everyone stays a safe distance away from the damage. The tree or its branches may still shift and fall, posing further risks.
From a distance, in a location where you’re safe, take a good look at the tree. Determine whether the entire tree or just a branch has fallen, and try to identify any property damage. This initial assessment will help guide your next steps.
2. Call for Help
If a tree has fallen on power lines or seems to have hit a gas line, contact your utility company right away. You can also reach out to emergency services. The quick response of these agencies can help secure the area and prevent further incidents.
Even if a tree hasn’t interfered with your utilities, a tree emergency typically requires assistance from a company with experience. Professionals with skills, safety training, and the right tools can get things cleaned up without causing any additional problems. Contact a reputable tree company in your area and explain the urgency of the situation.
If you think that your insurance may cover some of the costs, contact your provider and follow their instructions.
3. Document the Situation
Photographs of the damage can be useful tools in the future. You may need these photographs when communicating with a tree company, insurance company, or any type of contractor who will be helping you.
4. Always Recognize Your Limits
When you’re facing a tree emergency, don’t feel that you have a responsibility to do anything other than stay safe. Let others handle the tasks that they’re trained to do. Avoid the temptation of getting a close look, climbing a ladder, accessing your roof, or operating a chainsaw, for example. Instead, ask professionals for assistance and wait for them to take care of things on your behalf.
Tree emergencies can be difficult to deal with, but remember to keep calm, stay away from trees that have fallen, and enlist the services of a professional. For help with tree emergency services in St Louis, MO, call Double A Tree Service today.
