What to do if a tree falls on your roof?
Indiana weather brings wind, hail, and lightning—any one of which can cause trees to fall on your property. Hopefully, none of us had to deal with a tree falling on our home this season, but it’s better to know what to do ahead of time, just in case.
DO THESE 5 THINGS IF A TREE OR BRANCH FALLS ON YOUR ROOF:
#1. IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE
Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place so everyone in your home knows how to exit as quickly and safely as possible. Practice your plan with your family BEFORE you NEED to. Emergency supplies, including copies of important documents, cash, car keys, and other indispensable items, can ensure that you have everything you need to leave in a hurry. DON’T investigate the scene or try to climb up to see the damage yourself.
#2. CALL 911
Even if the fallen tree or branch seems small, don’t attempt to deal with the issue by yourself. Once you and your family have evacuated your home to a safe location, call emergency services and explain the situation. They will advise you further on what to do; they may send out a fire crew or public utility representative to ensure your home is safe, including making sure there is no danger of fire or electrical problems and checking power lines and connections.
#3. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Most home or umbrella insurance policies will cover at least some damage caused by storm debris, including the cost of removing the tree that has fallen.
Once you report the damage to your insurance company, they will tell you how to proceed. They may recommend or send out a roofer to quickly cover any exposed areas or board up broken windows to prevent further water damage.
Take photos of the damage as soon as it’s safe to do so. Be careful, but try to capture different angles of your home. Have the photos ready to show your insurance company, as many companies allow you to upload them online for a speedy evaluation and determine compensation.
#4. SECURE YOUR HOME
If a tree has done substantial damage to your home and will take time to repair, you may not be able to stay there. Make sure your doors and windows are locked and secure anything valuable. Your and your family’s safety should be your number one priority. A fallen tree is not something to take lightly, nor is a damaged roof. Let the professionals handle the situation for you.
#5. CALL CLAYTON HOOVER AND SONS
It’s important to plan ahead for these occasions. If you don’t, you may end up grabbing the first roofer you can find, and that could be a big mistake. Be alert, in these situations, “storm chasers” can scam homeowners, and take off with their money.
If possible, get a good, reputable roofing contractor like Clayton Hoover & Sons.
If you need emergency roofing repairs, Clayton Hoover can help!
Contact us at ClaytonHoover.com/roofing.
