Can you picture a time when you’re chilling at home, maybe watching your favorite show, and *wham!* Suddenly, there’s a tree in your living room. Not exactly the kind of nature encounter anyone hopes for, right? There’s a way to handle the situation without losing your cool. Here are 10 steps to take when a tree falls on your house.
1. Ensure Everyone's Safety
First things first, make sure everyone in the house is safe. Check if anyone is injured and keep your pets close. Shout a simple “Everyone okay?” to get a quick headcount. Remember, buildings and stuff inside can be replaced; people and pets, not so much.
2. Evacuate if Necessary
If there’s a giant tree sprawled across your living space, it might not be safe to stay inside. Grab your essentials—medications, documents, and the family photo album—and head out if you sense danger. Use your judgment here, but when in doubt, get out.
Sometimes, fallen trees can be so detrimental that you need to sell the property. Contact SD House Guys to sell your house fast. Besides the fallen tree issue, we’ll make the process as stress-free as possible.
3. Contact Emergency Services
Once you’re safely out of the potential danger zone, dial up the emergency services. This isn’t just a job for your local carpenter. Let the pros know there’s a big wooden guest in your house who didn’t knock on the door first.
4. Document Everything
Snap pictures like a tourist! But seriously, take photos of the damage from multiple angles. These will come in handy for insurance claims and might help in getting the situation sorted faster.
5. Reach Out to Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance agent with the quickness. The sooner they know about the incident, the sooner they can get the ball rolling on your insurance claim. Keep all your records and photos at the ready to provide evidence for your claim.
6. Secure Temporary Accommodations
If your home looks more like a campsite, it’s time to find somewhere else to crash. Whether it’s a hotel, a friend’s couch, or a family member’s guest room, make sure you have a roof that doesn’t include branches.
7. Keep Receipts for Expenses
While dealing with this mess, keep track of your expenses. Hotel bills, meals out, and even gas for trips back and forth from your tree-struck abode can sometimes be covered by insurance.
8. Follow Up Regularly
Don’t let your insurance claim get lost in the forest. Keep in touch with your agent regularly to make sure things are moving forward. It’s like keeping tabs on a mischievous dog—you don’t want to let it out of your sight!
9. Plan for Repairs
Once the dust settles and the tree is gone, it’s repair time. Find a good contractor who can fix the structural damage and check for hidden issues like water damage or mold.
10. Reflect on Tree Health
Finally, take a stroll around your property and give the other trees a good look-over. Could they use a trim? Maybe some are looking a bit weak? Consider getting a tree specialist to take a peek. Better to nip potential problems in the bud!
Steps to Take When a Tree Hits Your House
A tree falling on your house can definitely shake things up (literally and figuratively). By following these steps, you can tackle the situation with a bit of humor and heaps of prudence. Keep your head up—after all, it’s just a tree, and you’re the forest’s keeper. Don’t be afraid to take your mind off things and attend the local real estate meetup down the road. That will get you out of the house – which is another good step to take when a tree hits your home.