Step 1: Get Safe First
- Get everyone out of any room or structure a tree has hit.
- Treat every downed wire as live, even if it isn't sparking. PGE advises staying at least 50 feet away, a little longer than a city bus.
- Report downed lines to PGE at 503-464-7777 or 800-544-1795, then call 911.
- Keep kids and pets inside and away from the damage.
- Watch overhead for broken limbs still hanging in the canopy. Arborists call them 'widowmakers' for a reason.
Things You Should Never Touch
- Anything touching, or near, a power line: the tree, the fence, a puddle
- A tree or limb that's bent, pinned, or under tension. It can spring back with enough force to kill
- A chainsaw, if you've never cut storm-damaged wood. Most storm injuries come from DIY cleanup
- A ladder or the roof to 'take a look'
True Emergency vs. Can Wait
Call us now, day or night
- A tree on your house, especially if it has broken through the roof
- A tree blocking your only driveway or access for emergency vehicles
- A cracked or uprooted tree leaning toward your house or your neighbor's
- A tree on a car or structure where someone could get hurt
Call PGE first
Any tree or limb touching power lines. Once PGE makes the lines safe, we'll handle the tree.
It can wait for a regular appointment
- Branches and debris scattered in the yard
- A tree down in an open area, away from structures
- A small limb on a fence
- Leaning trees that haven't moved and aren't near anything
How to Photograph Damage for Insurance
- Take photos BEFORE anything is moved or cleaned up (unless it's a safety hazard).
- Start wide: the whole house and yard showing where the tree landed.
- Then go close: the roof, gutters, siding, fence, vehicles, anything damaged.
- Shoot from several angles and include something for scale.
- Record a slow walk-around video, narrating what you see.
- Keep the date stamps on and back the photos up to the cloud.
- Write down the date and time of the storm, and keep receipts for emergency repairs like tarps.
- Call your insurance company early. Many policies expect you to prevent further damage, like tarping a hole.
- We're happy to provide a written description of the work and photos from the job for your claim.
Before the Next Storm
- Have trees near your house inspected before windstorm season (fall is ideal).
- Remove dead branches and thin heavy limbs over the roof.
- Save our number in your phone: (971) 427-3129.
Call Forest Trunk 24/7 For...
- Trees on houses, cars, fences or driveways
- Hanging or cracked limbs over your home
- Uprooted or suddenly leaning trees
- Storm cleanup of any size