Tenant Safety: How to Protect Yourself from Fallen Trees
| Read time: 2 min
As a tenant, your safety should always be a top priority. While property owners are responsible for maintaining the premises, including trees, there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from the risks posed by fallen trees. In this article, we will discuss practical tips for tenants to stay safe and minimize the impact of fallen trees.
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1. Stay Informed
Familiarize yourself with the trees on the property. Note any signs of damage, disease, or instability. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, especially during storms or high winds, which can increase the risk of trees falling.
2. Report Potential Hazards
Immediately report any concerns about trees on the property to your landlord or property manager. Be specific about the location and nature of the hazard to ensure prompt action is taken.
3. Create an Emergency Plan
Develop an emergency plan with your household members that includes how to respond to fallen trees. Identify safe areas in and around your home where you can take shelter if a tree falls.
4. Stay Clear of Hazardous Areas
Avoid walking or parking near trees that appear unstable or have visible damage. Keep children and pets away from trees that may pose a risk of falling.
5. Maintain Renter’s Insurance
Ensure your renter’s insurance policy provides coverage for damage caused by fallen trees. Review your policy annually to make sure you have adequate coverage.
6. Move With Care
Outside of the potential health risks that fallen trees have, they can also make navigating on and off of the property difficult. If you see tree branches or trees that have fallen and want them moved out of the way to leave the property, make sure to properly assess whether the area is safe to move them and that they are not too heavy to move without adequate help.
While property managers can maintain the trees on the property, trees will always have the potential to fall or have fallen branches. By staying informed, reporting potential hazards, and creating an emergency plan, tenants can help ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.