What to Do After a Storm Hits Your Property

Rochester gets its share of severe weather from summer thunderstorms with high winds and hail to winter ice storms and heavy snow. When a storm passes, the first thing on your mind should be safety. Here's what to do after severe weather hits your property

Stay Safe First

Before you inspect any damage, make sure the storm has fully passed. Don't go outside during active lightning, heavy winds, or while ice is still accumulating. Wait until conditions are safe

Watch for hazards like downed power lines. If you see a power line on the ground or hanging from a tree, stay far away and call your utility company immediately. Treat every downed wire as live

Don't attempt to move large fallen branches yourself. They can be heavier than they look and may be under tension. Leave the heavy lifting to professionals

Assess the Damage

Once it's safe, do a walk-through of your property. Look for trees that have snapped or been uprooted, large branches that have fallen, and any damage to structures, vehicles, or fencing

Take photos of all damage for insurance purposes. This includes damaged structures, landscaping, vehicles, and any trees that have fallen on property

Pay special attention to trees that are still standing but appear damaged. Look for split trunks, broken major limbs, or trees that are leaning significantly. These may be hazardous and could fall during the next wind event

Insurance Documentation

Contact your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible if there's significant damage. Many policies have time limits for reporting claims, and documenting everything thoroughly will help your claim proceed smoothly

Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or cleanup you authorize. Your policy may cover these costs. If a tree from your property fell on a neighbor's property or a shared structure, notify your insurance company promptly they may need to coordinate with other parties

Emergency Cleanup vs Waiting

For safety reasons, some cleanup may need to happen immediately. If a tree or large branch is blocking access to your home, leaning dangerously near structures, or creating an immediate hazard, call for emergency tree service

However, you don't need to rush everything. For minor damage or trees that aren't immediately hazardous, it can be helpful to wait for a professional assessment. An arborist can evaluate whether a damaged tree can be saved or needs to be completely removed

After major storms, tree service companies are in high demand. Getting on the schedule may take time, but it's worth waiting for a qualified professional rather than hiring the first person who shows up offering to help

At Stevie Tree, we understand how stressful storm damage can be. We respond quickly to emergencies and provide honest assessments of what can be saved versus what needs to go