A Tree Fell on My House: What to Do in the First Hour

A tree through the roof is frightening, and the first hour decides how safe the next few days are. Here is the order we recommend, as calmly as we can write it.

In the first few minutes

1. Get everyone out and away from the tree. Move people and pets to the opposite side of the house or outside. Do not go back in for belongings.
2. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, if you smell gas, or if there is fire, sparking or a line on the ground.
3. Check for power lines before anything else. If the tree touched, pulled or sits anywhere near a line, treat the whole tree and the ground around it as live.
4. Call the utility, such as NYSEG or National Grid. Only they can make a line safe.

Next, protect what you can

• Do not cut the tree yourself. Trees on structures are under tension. A cut in the wrong place can drop the whole load or spring a limb back.
• Photograph everything from a safe distance: wide shots and close-ups of the tree, the damage and any lines. Your insurer will ask for them.
• Shut off utilities if water, electricity or gas has been affected and it is safe to do so.
• Avoid unsafe areas inside. A damaged roof or ceiling can give way.

Then call two numbers

1. Your insurance company. When a tree falls on a covered structure such as a house, garage or fence, homeowner’s insurance typically covers removal from the structure and the repair, minus your deductible. Start the claim early.
2. A licensed, insured tree crew. Ask for proof of insurance. Be cautious of anyone going door to door after a storm. Reputable crews are already on their way if you called them.

What our crew does

• Makes the scene safe first, with the line, the structure and the people accounted for.
• Removes the tree in controlled sections, lifting it off the house carefully so the adjuster sees the damage the tree did, not damage the cleanup added.
• Documents the work with photos for your claim.
• Cleans up, hauls the debris and rakes the yard.

Prevent the next one

Once things are calm, have the remaining trees inspected. Storms often reveal which trees are weak. Read our storm prep guide for lake-effect season and our checklist of signs a tree is dying or dangerous.