Do not rush outside immediately while the storm is still active. High winds can easily bring down secondary branches or neighboring trees. Wait until the immediate weather threat has passed. If the tree has struck your home, evacuate the structure immediately.
Minutes 10-30: The Perimeter Check
Once it is safe to step outside, you need to assess the situation from a distance. A fallen tree alters the entire landscape, and hidden dangers are everywhere. Do not walk under leaning branches, and keep children and pets securely inside.
During this window, focus on executing these critical steps:
1. Scan for Power Lines
This is the most critical hazard. Look for tangled wires in the branches or lines pulled tight against the trunk. If you see lines, assume the entire tree and the ground around it are electrified. Call 911 and your utility company immediately.
2. Document the Scene
Before any cleanup begins, take widespread photos and videos of the fallen tree. Capture the uprooted stump, the path of the fall, and any property damage. Your insurance company will demand this evidence.
3. Call Your Insurance Agent
Contact your homeowner's insurance provider to open a claim. Let them know the extent of the damage. If a neighbor's tree fell into your yard, you still call your insurance company—they will handle the logistics.
4. Dispatch a Tree Service
Do not wait for the insurance adjuster to arrive to book a tree service. Call a professional team for emergency tree removal immediately, as schedules fill up rapidly after a major Tampa Bay storm.
Your insurance policy likely includes a clause requiring you to "mitigate further damage." This means taking reasonable steps to stop things from getting worse.
If the tree has crushed a fence leaving a pool exposed, block the area off. If a vehicle is pinned, do not attempt to start it or move it. Most importantly, do not attempt to drag heavy limbs off your roof or driveway yourself. Leave the heavy lifting to the professionals who have the proper rigging gear and insurance to handle hazardous tree removal safely.
The Danger of the DIY Chainsaw
In the first hour after a storm, you will likely hear the buzzing of chainsaws echoing through your neighborhood. Do not be tempted to join in. Uprooted trees and massive fallen limbs are under immense, unpredictable tension.
Cutting a branch that is supporting the weight of the trunk can cause the entire tree to violently roll, kick back, or spring upward, leading to severe injury or death. Furthermore, if a DIY mistake causes the tree to shift and cause further property damage, your insurance company may deny the claim.
Let the Professionals Handle the Aftermath
When the unexpected happens, you need a team you can trust. Duffey Tree Care provides rapid, safe, and professional storm damage cleanup across Eastern Hillsborough County.
We have the heavy-duty equipment needed to lift massive trees without causing further damage to your property.
Call 813-381-4329 for immediate emergency tree service.
Request Emergency Service