Emergency Tree Removal Checklist
Storm-damaged wood can shift without warning. Use this sequence to protect people, report public hazards, document damage, and give a tree professional the information needed for safe triage.
Protect people first
- Leave rooms beneath an impact and close off the likely fall area.
- Call 911 for fire, gas odor, trapped people, or immediate structural danger.
- Never approach, touch, or move wood that may contact a utility line.
Make the right calls
- Contact the electric utility for any line involvement.
- Notify your insurer when a structure, vehicle, or insured property is damaged.
- Report trees blocking public roads or involving public right-of-way infrastructure to the city.
Document safely
- Take wide photos from outside the hazard zone.
- Record the impact point, visible tree condition, access limitations, and time of the event.
- Preserve invoices and separate emergency stabilization from permanent repairs.
Describe the site
- Share the address, what the tree is resting on, and whether access is blocked.
- Mention gates, narrow side yards, septic systems, slopes, and nearby structures.
- Expect urgent work to focus first on stabilization and safe access.