One of the risks of having trees on your property is the possibility that one could fall on your house. It’s no fun to think about, but this type of storm damage is common, and the risk of it occurring increases if a tree is weak or diseased. What should you do following such a disaster? Hudepohl Restoration, with locations in Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH, recommends taking the following steps.

Storm Damage: 5 Steps to Take After a Tree Falls on Your House

1. Evacuate the Upper Floors

As soon as you realize what has happened, immediately get to the ground floor. If your house has only one floor, you’ll need to leave your house. The whole roof could cave in as a result of the tree fall, so it’s critical to keep all household members and pets away from compromised areas. Call the police if you can’t safely evacuate.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company needs to know about the situation as soon as possible. They will notify you of additional documents or evidence you need to make your claim (see number five below).

3. Call a Restoration & Tree Removal Service

A storm damage restoration team will first need to mitigate the situation (e.g. construct a temporary roof) and secure the area. Then, they can start repairing the damage. You’ll also need to contact a tree removal specialist to take care of the tree, which may cause even more damage if it isn’t removed as soon as possible.

4. Salvage Your Belongings

Depending on the scope of the damage, the remodeling and restoration process could get hectic. Reserve a storage unit for your furniture and valuables, where they can stay until the work is completed.

5. Document the Situation

Once your household is safe, take notes on the situation and take photographs of all the damage. This may be necessary to file your insurance claim.

If unfortunate circumstances leave you with storm damage, Hudepohl Restoration will help you pick up the pieces. To request an estimate, give them a call in Louisville at (502) 873-5744 or (513) 398-9691 for service in Cincinnati. Details about their services, which also include fire restoration and mold removal, is available on their website. You can also find the team on Facebook.