It’s that time of year again… storm season. Thunderstorms, torrential rains, high winds, and sometimes even tornadoes put considerable stress on your trees and open the possibility to damage of your home from falling limbs or toppling trees. While it’s not a fun prospect to consider, the dangers are real and these events do occur with some frequency in Mid-Missouri. Because of that, we have compiled a checklist so that you know exactly what to do, in the event a tree ever damages your home.
Check that everyone in the home is safe and evacuate if necessary.
Call 911 immediately, if needed.
Evaluate the utilities.
Contact the electric company and gas company if any lines are down or damaged. If possible, shut off natural gas coming into the home until a professional can assess the damage.
Contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company and explain to them what has happened.
They will be able to give you a list of documentation that will be needed to initiate the claims process. You will also need to document all damages before any repairs take place. Grab a camera or your cell phone and take plenty of photos of the tree where it landed. Make sure your pictures include any damage done to the roof, siding and windows, as well as any damages to the interior of your home and any belongings that were damaged. This will help paint a picture of the extent of the damage for the insurance company.
Get the tree professionally assessed and removed.
Make sure to go with a local, reputable company with certified arborists, such as Hentges Tree Service! Many businesses go into areas immediately after storms for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the people impacted by weather-related damage. Don’t fall victim to the predatory practices of one of these businesses.
