During the holidays, one of the last things that you’ll want to do is deal with a tree emergency. While you don’t have any control over when these kinds of issues arise, you can take steps to manage the situation safely and effectively.

Stay Away

You might want to get a closer look at a fallen tree, but please stay away if possible. There’s no guarantee that a fallen tree will be stable, so it could shift at any point, and one of its branches could snap, potentially injuring someone. It’s especially important to keep pets and small children away from fallen trees. Your holiday guests might also be interested in checking things out, so be clear about your safety expectations.

Prevent Water Damage

If a tree or large branch has fallen on your place, you’ll need to jump into action as soon as possible. If the tree has damaged plumbing, turn off the water so that water won’t leak through broken pipes. In the event that a tree punctures your walls, windows, or roof during a storm, turn off the power to the compromised section of your home, and remove items that might be vulnerable to water damage. Electronics, furniture, and many holiday gifts can easily get damaged by rain water that comes in. However, only do this if it’s safe.

Take Pictures

Depending on the situation, you may need to reach out to your insurance company for support. Sharing pictures with the company can strengthen your case and help you communicate the extent of the damage. Take pictures from different angles to provide a more complete view of what happened.

Call for Professional Assistance

If you try to clean up after a tree emergency on your own, you may find yourself dealing with additional issues such as a broken chainsaw, branches that are too big for you to move, or worse, an injury. Instead, reach out to a licensed and experienced tree company for help. After a severe storm, many of your neighbors might require assistance as well, so call as soon as you can. Just keep in mind that tree service availability may be limited during the holidays.

Next Year, Be Proactive

To prevent future issues, be proactive about your tree care. Before a storm hits the region, ask a company to trim branches close to your home and assess the health of your trees, removing diseased or damaged trees that might become hazards.

It can be difficult to manage a tree emergency during the holidays, but remember that safety always comes first. Protect yourself and your guests, and leave the tree work to the professionals. For assistance in Jacksonville, NC, with a tree emergency storm services, call Just In Time Tree Care.