A Tree Fell on Your House During a Storm — Here's Exactly What to Do First
Updated: Aug 17
When a storm sends a tree crashing onto your home, the shock can make it hard to think clearly. Knowing what to do when a tree has fallen on your house can protect your family and limit the damage in the critical first hour. This guide walks you through the exact steps to take — from getting everyone to safety to documenting the scene and calling for emergency tree removal — so you can act with confidence instead of guessing.
Key Takeaways
Get everyone out of the affected area first — people come before property.
Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or if power lines are involved.
Photograph and document everything before you touch or move anything.
Do not try to remove the tree yourself — storm-damaged trees are unstable.
Call a licensed, insured emergency tree service and notify your insurer promptly.
What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your House
If you are wondering what to do right after a tree falls on your house, follow these steps in order. Each one is about keeping people safe first and protecting your claim second.
Get everyone to safety. Move all family members and pets away from the damaged area and out of the house if the structure feels unstable.
Call 911 if there is any injury, gas smell, or downed power line. Treat every fallen line as live and dangerous.
Shut off utilities only if it's safe. If you can reach them without going near the damage or water, turn off electricity and gas to reduce fire risk.
Document the damage. Take clear photos and videos of the tree, the roof, and any interior damage before anything is moved.
Call an emergency tree service. A professional crew can safely stabilize and remove the tree and tarp the opening to prevent further damage.
Notify your insurance company. Report the claim promptly and share your photos and the tree company's assessment.
Safety Hazards to Watch For
Storm damage creates dangers that aren't always obvious. Downed power lines may still be energized, and they can charge nearby fences, puddles, and metal railings. A tree resting on your roof may look settled but can shift without warning, and a compromised roof or ceiling can collapse. Stay clear of sagging ceilings and never walk under a leaning tree. For up-to-date storm safety guidance, the National Weather Service is a reliable authority to follow before, during, and after severe weather.
Documenting the Damage for Your Insurance
Good documentation makes the difference between a smooth claim and a frustrating one. Photograph the scene from several angles, capture close-ups of damaged areas, and keep any receipts for emergency work such as tarping or temporary repairs. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, so those early protective measures are usually reimbursable. Keep a simple written log of who you called and when.
Why You Shouldn't Remove the Tree Yourself
It's tempting to grab a chainsaw and start cutting, but storm-damaged trees are under enormous, hidden tension. A trunk pinned against a roof can snap back or roll when cut, and limbs can drop unexpectedly. Add wet conditions, unstable footing, and possible live wires, and do-it-yourself removal becomes genuinely dangerous. A licensed, insured crew has the training and rigging equipment to relieve that tension safely and lift the tree off your home without causing more damage.
How Sky High Responds to Storm Emergencies
Sky High Services is a veteran-owned, ISA-certified tree care company built for exactly these moments — our storm response work earned a feature from CBS News Philadelphia. We offer fast, same-day response across Southeastern Pennsylvania, and our modern equipment lets us work carefully around your home and landscaping. When a tree comes down, you can reach our emergency team through our storm damage and emergency cleanup page, and we can help document the damage for your insurance while we make your property safe again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call first when a tree falls on my house?
Call 911 first if anyone is injured or a power line is down. Once everyone is safe, call an emergency tree service to secure the tree and your insurance company to start a claim.
Should I move the tree before the insurance adjuster sees it?
No. Leave the tree in place and document it with photos. Only emergency measures that prevent further damage — like tarping a hole — should happen before the adjuster reviews the scene.
How fast can a tree service respond after a storm?
A dedicated emergency crew can often respond the same day. Sky High Services provides fast storm response across Southeastern PA and can stabilize and remove the tree quickly.
Storm damage? Call Sky High Services now for emergency response — we'll make your property safe and help you through the cleanup.
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