If you’re a homeowner, there’s a good chance you’ll experience a large tree falling on your roof at some point. While this can be a traumatic experience, it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and your family’s safety.
A large tree falling on your roof is a harrowing experience. Here are seven things you should do to stay safe and protect your property:
1.Immediately Call Your Insurance Company
When a large tree falls on your roof, you should first call your insurance company.
They will likely have a 24-hour hotline that you can call to report the incident and start the claims process.
Once you have called your insurance company, they will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine if your policy covers the repairs. If it does, they will give you a list of approved contractors.
If your policy does not cover the repairs, you will be responsible for paying for them out of pocket. Getting the repairs done as soon as possible is important to avoid further damage to your home.
2.Take Pictures of the Damage
Take pictures of the damage! A fallen tree can cause a lot of damage to your home, not to mention the risk of injury. Documenting the damage is crucial so that you can file a claim with your insurance company.
If possible, try to remove the tree yourself. Be very careful, though, as there is always the danger of getting injured or trapped under a large tree. Call a professional arborist or tree removal service if you cannot remove the tree yourself.
Make sure you take care of any electrical hazards caused by the fallen tree. Fallen trees can often knock out power lines or disrupt electrical service. Never touch any downed power line! Always call your utility company to report an outage or downed line.
3. Protect Your Belongings From Water Damage
The next step is to protect your belongings from water damage. If the tree has caused any holes in your roof, cover them with a tarp or plastic sheeting to prevent rainwater from coming inside. Move any valuables or items that could be damaged by water away from the affected area. And if you have any stored food, ensure it’s in airtight containers to prevent it from Spoiling.
Be careful when walking on the roof; it may be slippery and dangerous. And don’t try to remove the tree yourself – call a professional arborist instead. They’ll have the experience and equipment necessary to take down the tree safely and without causing further damage to your home.
4. Call a Licensed Roofing Contractor
Although it may be tempting to try to take care of the situation yourself, it’s always a good idea to call a licensed contractor when a large tree falls on your roof. They’ll have the experience and equipment necessary to safely remove the tree and assess any damage to your home.
It’s important to remember that removing a fallen tree can be dangerous, so be sure to let the professionals take care of it. Trying to do it yourself could lead to further damage or even injuries.
Once the tree has been removed, be sure to have your roof inspected by a contractor. They’ll be able to tell you if there is any structural damage and what needs to be done to repair it.
5.Remove Any Debris
Remove any debris falling on your roof, including tree branches and leaves. If the tree has caused damage to your roof, shingles, or gutters, you’ll need to have those repaired as soon as possible. In the meantime, cover any holes in your roof with a tarp to prevent water from entering your home.
If the tree has fallen onto your house rather than just onto the roof, you’ll need to call a professional to have it removed. This is hazardous work and should not be attempted by amateurs.
Once the tree is removed, you can begin repairs to your home’s exterior. Again, it’s essential to have any major damage repaired promptly to prevent further damage.
6. Find a Safe Place to Stay
You should find a safe place to be until the tree is removed. This means staying indoors if at all possible. If you’re caught outside when a large tree falls on your roof, try to find cover from the branches and leaves as best as possible.
Once you’ve escaped any potential danger, it’s time to start thinking about damage control. Even if the tree didn’t fall on your house, the weight of it could cause severe structural damage.
Conclusion
A large tree falling on your roof can be a very dangerous and stressful event. It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your home. If you find yourself in this situation, remember to call your insurance company, take pictures of the damage, find a safe place to stay, and call a tree removal company. Stay safe!
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