INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Do you know what to do if a tree lands on your house during a thunderstorm?
One storm, or even a single gust of wind, can bring down branches, limbs, and entire trees. Here’s some helpful tips that can help keep you and your family safe if a tree falls onto your home.
First Steps
Your first priority is to evacuate. Get everyone out of the house and to a safe location away from any hazards.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the first steps to take:
- Get all people and pets out of the home.
- Check everyone for injuries.
- Call 911 if there are any power lines involved, a fire risk, or if anyone is injured.
- Be ready to shut off utilities like electricity and gas.
- Don’t re-enter the house until it’s deemed safe by professionals.
Once everyone is out and safe, call your insurance company and a local tree removal service. Find a contractor who can cover any holes or broken windows and a roofer to place a tarp over any damaged roof areas.
Talk to your insurance company
As soon as you’re in a safe place, call your insurance company to report the incident and start the claims process.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to do next:
- Gather information about the incident, including the time, date, and location.
- Assess the damage; take notes, photos, and/or videos.
- Avoid touching or moving anything until the insurance adjuster has seen the damage.
If a tree hits your home or other insured structure, such as a detached garage, your homeowner’s insurance should cover damage to the structure, as well as any damage to the contents.
Contact a tree removal company
You can start getting quotes for tree removal services and home repairs while the claims process is ongoing.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the cost of removing the tree, usually up to about $500 – $1,000. The amount of coverage depends on the insurer and the type of policy purchased, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Your insurer may also pay for debris cleanup and damage to other insured structures, such as a shed, detached garage, or fence.
According to AAA, insurance typically does not cover removal of a fallen tree that does no damage unless it’s blocking a driveway or other access points.
For more information on storm prep and cleanup, check out these resources from the National Weather Service and American Red Cross.
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