How to Survive a Tree Falling on Your House

4 min read

What was that? Why is there a hole in my roof? And why am I covered in branches?

They’re beautiful. They provide oxygen, and trees remove some harmful gases. But they can also be dangerous. Do you know that you’re more likely to be killed by a falling tree than by sharks? It’s true. Falling trees kill more than 100 people each year, but sharks only kill about seven people.

Can you tell if a tree could fall just by looking at it? Why should you have an emergency bag, and what should you keep in it? And if a fallen tree traps you inside a house, what should you do?

Step 1. Beware of Cracked Soil

Usually, there are warning signs before a tree falls. If the tree is extremely hunched over, it could be due to root damage. So, check for exposed roots, and cracked or heaving soil. And trees with U or V-shaped trunks are more susceptible to falling, as they tend to have more weak points. This also makes them more likely to be hurt by storms. But severe wind, ice, or rainstorms can make a tree fall over without warning. Always inspect trees after storms and between seasons.

Step 2. Don’t be cheap

Don’t try to remove a tree yourself. And don’t ask your “lawn guy” to remove it either. Matt Bieniek of Houston, Texas, got a much lower price quote from his lawn guy than from professionals. So he gave his lawn guy the job of removing a dead 15 m (50 ft) pine tree. When Bienick returned from work, the tree had fallen on his house, causing $60,000 of damage. Always get professionals to remove trees from your yard.

Step 3. Have a plan

A tree crashing on your house could be dangerous. Have a detailed evacuation plan, including the quickest exits, a safe place to meet outside, and a friend or family member you can call during a disaster. And keep a “go bag” packed with emergency supplies, important documents, car keys, cash, flashlights, and any medications you need.

Step 4: Pick Up The Phone

Call the emergency services. After they arrive, call your insurance company. It can begin looking for a contractor to fix your home while you make sure everyone is safe.

Step 5. Trust your instincts

In January 2021, Canadian Pamala DeRosa heard a loud bang. Her intuition told her to get out of the house. And fortunately, she got out of bed and headed outside. Just a minute after she left, she saw a tree crash down through powerlines and land right on her bedroom.

Step 6. Don’t Move

If a tree falls and you’re trapped underneath it, conserve your energy and focus on controlling your breathing. And if you can, lie in the recovery position to keep your airways open, and stop you from choking on vomit or fluid. To do this, lie on your side with your arm under your neck, and your knees tucked in. Wait for emergency services to arrive, then call out, or use your foot to tap on something. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

You survived, but now you see what caused the tree to fall in the first place. It’s a mega tornado, and it’s heading right for you. Think you can get out of this alive?