Storm damaged tree down after on structure — on structure

Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.

1. Check 1

   From a wide, stable location outside the tree's possible fall or slide path, keep people and pets away and note whether the tree is on a roof, wall, porch, vehicle, fence, or other structure; whether branches are suspended; and whether the trunk, root plate, structure, or debris is still moving. Do not approach for a closer photograph.

   Expected result: The tree or structure is moving, a limb is hung overhead, the root plate is lifted, debris blocks the only exit, or the scene appears stationary but the tree remains supported by the structure.

   Next step: Create an exclusion zone from the safe side without entering the hazard area and call qualified tree-removal service; use emergency services when people are trapped, injured, or in immediate danger.

   Stop if: Stop observing if wind, rain, lightning, shifting debris, falling limbs, or unstable ground makes the location unsafe.

   Why this matters

   Why: Movement, suspended limbs, lifted roots, and structural support indicate stored energy and a changing load. A stationary appearance does not make the tree safe to touch or cut.

2. Check 2

   From a safe distance, look only for overhead or ground-level electrical lines, service drops, utility poles, gas-meter or gas-line damage, sparks, arcing, smoke, or a line hidden beneath the tree. Treat every line as energized and do not touch, step over, move, spray, or cut the tree or debris.

   Expected result: A line is down, a branch or trunk is contacting a line, a service connection is pulled or damaged, a utility pole leans, gas odor is present, or no utility hazard is visible from the safe location.

   Next step: For electrical or gas danger, keep everyone back and contact the utility or emergency service according to local procedure. Only after the utility declares its side safe should qualified tree and structural professionals plan removal.

   Stop if: Stop immediately for sparks, smoke, arcing, hissing, gas odor, fire, a downed line, or any need to cross the tree or debris to reach the utility.

   Why this matters

   Why: Any possible utility contact changes tree removal into coordinated utility and emergency work. No visible line hazard does not rule out a concealed service drop, underground service, or gas damage.

3. Check 3

   From outside and from an interior location that is clearly safe to occupy, note roof or wall displacement, broken windows, ceiling sag, new cracks, water entry, damaged doors, fallen masonry, or a tree pressing against an occupied room. Do not enter beneath a supported tree, walk onto a damaged floor or roof, or touch wet electrical equipment.

   Expected result: The building remains weather-tight and visually stable, or there is a sagging roof/ceiling, shifted wall, widening crack, broken utility, active water, or blocked escape route.

   Next step: Leave and keep others out if the structure shifts, the ceiling sags, utilities are damaged, or exit routes are compromised. Request emergency or structural assessment before tree removal; do not prop, brace, tarp, or enter on your own.

   Stop if: Stop for a bulging ceiling, falling material, strong gas odor, smoke, electrical contact, unstable floor, or any need to pass beneath the tree.

   Why this matters

   Why: Structural movement or a blocked/unsafe exit can make the building unsafe regardless of the tree's species or size. A roof dent without visible interior damage still needs a professional inspection because concealed framing or membrane damage may exist.

4. Check 4

   From outside the exclusion zone, record whether the trunk is split, bent, suspended by another tree, pinned against the structure, or connected to a lifted root plate, and whether nearby trees or limbs are also damaged. Do not pull a branch, release a rope, move a vehicle, climb the tree, or make a relief cut.

   Expected result: The trunk or limb is under visible bend, a split is open, the tree is hung up, a root plate is lifted, nearby trees are leaning, or the tree is fully on the ground with no visible tension from the safe view.

   Next step: Give the arborist or qualified tree-removal crew the photos and direction of lean/tension. Keep the exclusion zone in place until the crew has assessed the entire tree and surrounding stand.

   Stop if: Stop for wind, rain, lightning, falling bark or limbs, or any need to stand within the tree's reach or operate cutting equipment.

   Why this matters

   Why: Bend, split, hang-up, root movement, and nearby lean are indicators of stored mechanical energy and secondary impact risk. A fully grounded appearance still does not authorize cutting because hidden tension and structural loading may remain.

5. Check 5

   From a safe location, capture wide photos and notes showing the structure, tree orientation, utility context, access/exit constraints, weather, time of storm, visible damage, and whether occupants or vehicles are trapped. Contact the utility/emergency service first when lines or gas may be involved, then request coordinated qualified tree-removal and structural assessment.

   Expected result: The utility has isolated its hazard, emergency responders have cleared the scene, the tree crew can access it without crossing the hazard, or access remains blocked or uncertain.

   Next step: Keep the site undisturbed and follow the professionals' exclusion and evacuation instructions. Do not begin cleanup, chainsaw work, roof repair, or debris hauling while the tree is on or against the structure.

   Stop if: Stop documenting if conditions change or if getting a better view requires crossing the boundary, entering the structure, or handling debris.

   Why this matters

   Why: A clear handoff lets utility, structural, insurance, and tree professionals plan the order of isolation, stabilization, removal, temporary protection, and repair. Uncertain access is a service-planning problem, not a reason to improvise.