A fallen tree on your roof is usually one of those things you don’t expect to happen. But when it does, it’s crucial to act fast. While we hope this never happens to your roof, the best way to be prepared is by knowing what to do for such an event. Here is what to do when a tree falls on your roof!
As with any emergency, your family should have an evacuation plan in place. Should the integrity of your home be at risk, everyone in the home should leave as quickly as possible. If the impact of a fallen tree is severe, such as it punctures through your roof and ceiling, it’s best to find another place to stay for the time-being. If anyone is injured, or if there are any downed power lines or smoke, make sure to call 9-1-1.
Never climb your roof or try to remove a fallen tree or branches off your roof on your own.
Once you and your family are in a safe place, call your local emergency services. They can tell you what to do and may even send the local fire department to ensure your home and its surroundings are safe.
If your roof has been damaged, call your local roofer right away so they can come to inspect your roof. Ask them to take photos of the damage and to give you a copy of the inspection report. Your roofer will let you know what the next steps are. If the tree has fallen straight through your roof, your roofer can also help you cover vulnerable areas of your home to keep it secure.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover fallen tree damage, but it may depend on the circumstances of the situation. Reach out to your insurance company and follow the direction they provide to filing a claim. Ask your local roofer for their photo documentation and the roof inspection report to file with your claim.
In some events, the damage is severe enough that you may have to vacate your house for a short period of time. In that case, do whatever you need to do to secure your home, including:
Again, never climb your roof or try to fix the damage on your own. It is possible there is damage on your roof that cannot be seen, and it is extremely dangerous to climb a roof in any situation without the proper safety gear.
Now that you know what to do when a tree falls on your roof, don’t forget to keep IBEX Roof’s phone number on your fridge. We hope you’ll never need it in an emergency situation, but it’s good to have it available. Likewise, having it in sight will remind you to call us for your annual roof inspection! Whether in an emergency or not, our roofing team is on top of it. Give us a call today at 360-218-3194!
