Storm Damage Tree Removal
Storm damage comes in many different forms, i.e. tornadoes, ice, strong winds, flooding, lightning, etc. However not all storm damage requires emergency tree removal.
Non-Emergency Storm Damage
Following a storm, after everyone has been accounted for, and weather/daylight permitting, damage assessment may then take place.
Unless there are injuries, or egress routes have been compromised, there is no reason to start removing the tree from the roof in the middle of a thunderstorm.
For safety reasons, damage assessment should not begin until daylight or an official all-clear signal has been issued.
Emergency Storm Damage
Here's what to do if a tree falls on your roof during a storm. If it comes through the roof and ceiling, usually there is already a power outage, but if there is not, assume that all lines are hot, and get to a known safe area.
Do not attempt to assess the damage in the dark. The best first step is to leave the premises without touching anything for fear of electrocution.
Often, it's not the actual thunderstorm that causes accidents and injuries, it's the aftermath and cleanup as people are attempting to remove limbs and debris before the all-clear signal has been given by local authorities.
This is the time for the homeowner to contact their insurance agent and gather necessary information to begin the claims process. This is also a good time to take pictures. Again, wait for the "all clear" from authorities.
Once the storm damage site has been cleared for entry, damage assessment can begin. In some cases, the insurance adjuster may require more than one estimate before any work is approved.
Remember, these are only hints, as policies vary from insurance to homeowner. Not all insurance policies are the same.
Be weary of tree companies who insist on performing this work immediately. Also, beware of companies who are not locally based or those who do not meet the local regulatory requirements.
Storm damage cleanup: Our goal is to accomplish this without incurring any further damage to the structure. Further damage should be kept at a minimum if at all possible.
Storm damage tree removal is usually EXTREMELY dangerous and involves a much higher degree of risk.
