What to Do When a Tree Falls: Step by Step

When a tree falls, do these things in order. First, get everyone away from the tree and out of any damaged part of the house. Next, call 911 for injuries or fire, and call the utility for downed lines. Then photograph everything before cleanup. Finally, call a tree crew and your insurer, and tarp openings only if it's safe.

A tree on your property, or on your house, is a moment when order matters. The first few minutes affect safety, your insurance claim and how much more damage happens. Here's each step in detail.

Step 1: Get everyone safe

Before anything else, make sure everyone is out of the area. That includes family, guests and curious neighbors. Fallen trees create hazards that are easy to underestimate.

The tree may not have settled. A tree that fell in a storm can still shift. Meanwhile, other storm-weakened limbs may still hang overhead. So don't assume the danger ended when the tree hit the ground.

The root plate can move. When a big tree falls, it often levers up the roots on one side. That leaves a deep hole and a wall of roots standing on edge. Stay away from both, because the root plate can drop back without warning.

Power lines change everything. If you see any downed lines nearby, keep everyone well clear. That includes lines on the ground, draped over the tree or touching the roof. A downed line doesn't have to spark to be live. The International Society of Arboriculture's Recognizing Tree Risk guide agrees. Never go near downed lines, because they could still carry current.

The house may not be safe. A tree on a roof puts weight where the structure wasn't built to carry it. As a result, framing can shift and walls can crack. Keep out of that area until a professional has checked both the tree and the building.

Step 2: Call 911 if needed

Call 911 first if anyone is hurt or a downed line threatens life. The same goes for fire or the smell of gas. Don't wait.

For downed lines with no immediate danger, call your electric utility's emergency line instead. Central Hudson serves most of Dutchess County, and its emergency number is on your bill. Never try to handle a line yourself.

Step 3: Photograph everything before cleanup

Once everyone is safe and you've reported any line hazard, take photos right away. Do it before any cleanup starts. New York's Department of Financial Services also says to report a loss promptly. In addition, it warns against permanent repairs before your insurer inspects, per its homeowners guide.

Capture these shots:

• Wide views that show where the tree landed relative to the house, cars and yard.
• The root zone, where the tree grew, including any lifted roots or old lean.
• The full trunk, so the path of the fall is clear.
• Every contact point between the tree and a structure, car or other property.
• The damage itself, such as roof holes, siding, windows or dented cars.
• Any lines the tree touches or has pulled down.

Your phone records the date and time automatically. Take more photos than you think you need. Once the tree is gone, you can't go back.

Step 4: Call a tree service

With everyone safe and photos taken, call a tree service. When you call, give them these details:

• What came down, roughly how big it is and what it's resting on.
• Any power lines involved, even if you've already reported them.
• Whether a fallen limb blocks the driveway or access.
• That you plan to file an insurance claim, so they can document the job.

Shawn's crew handles emergency storm damage across Dutchess County. Customers describe fast turnarounds after storms. For example, Jude J. wrote, "Shawn came, gave us an estimate that was half of another one we’d gotten, and fitted us in the next morning before the predicted afternoon storms."

Step 5: Prevent more damage while you wait

While you wait for the crew, focus on stopping further damage.

Tarp roof openings, but only if it's safe. If the tree broke through the roof, cover any opening you can reach without entering the danger zone. Rain gets in fast through a damaged roof. However, never climb onto a roof that still has a tree on it.

Keep the area clear. Treat the zone around the tree as off limits. Also keep family, pets and neighbors well back.

Don't cut or move anything. Even if you own a chainsaw, leave this one alone. A tree resting on a structure holds tension and compression you can't see. If you cut in the wrong order, the weight can shift suddenly. That's exactly why this work takes rigging and training.

DFS also says to save receipts for every temporary fix, like a tarp or boarded window. Your policy may cover those costs.

Step 6: File your insurance claim promptly

If the tree damaged a structure, file a claim. Ask your insurer whether to file before or after removal. The process usually goes like this:

1. Call your insurer to open a claim, then follow up in writing.
2. Send your photos and any paperwork from the tree service.
3. Meet the adjuster when they inspect the damage.
4. Have a contractor repair the structure once the insurer has inspected.

Tell the tree crew up front that you're filing a claim. Then ask for photos of the job and an invoice that lists what they removed. Our guide to tree damage insurance claims explains how coverage usually works.

What if the tree is still standing but damaged?

If the tree is still up but damaged, treat it as a possible hazard until someone checks it. Watch for big broken limbs, trunk cracks or a new lean after a storm. Our guide to whether a storm-damaged tree is safe covers what to look for.

Need storm help in Dutchess County? Call (518) 960-6057, read about our emergency services or request an assessment for anything that can wait.