Storm and tree damage
Fallen trees, downed lines and storm repairs: what to leave alone, and who to call first.
What to do about trees and storm damage
Ice and wind bring down limbs, trees and lines. A tree near a power line, a downed line and a damaged roof are all jobs for someone else: your part is to stay clear, report it and call the right trade.
Before the storm: leave trees near lines alone
Don’t prune or clear branches near lines yourself. For a tree near power lines, call your utility first: only a utility-certified arborist should work within 3 m of the wires (BC Hydro).
After it: stay back from downed lines
Always assume a downed line is live. Stay well back, keep others away, never touch or move it, even with a stick, and call 9-1-1 (Get Prepared). Report damaged poles and equipment to your utility.
Then call the right trade
Fallen and risky trees and emergency tree work are for an arborist; storm repairs to the roof, including ice-dam damage, are for a roofer. Most of the arborists we list have an emergency line. Ask which permits the job needs before work starts (Office of Consumer Affairs).
Power lines: Call 9-1-1 for a downed line, a pole or transformer on fire, lines within reach, or branches sparking on lines. Get Prepared says to stay away from power lines and report downed ones.
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Questions about storm and tree damage
Who removes a tree that is near power lines?
Call your utility first. Only a utility-certified arborist should work within 3 m of the wires, says BC Hydro. Don’t prune or clear branches near lines yourself.
Is a downed line safe if it isn’t sparking?
No. Always assume a downed line is live: stay well back, keep others away, never touch or move it, and call 9-1-1, as Get Prepared advises.
What should I check before hiring an arborist or roofer?
Ask which permits the job needs and who will get them, and ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property. Get written quotes from at least three contractors (Office of Consumer Affairs).
Who repairs the power line to my house?
Damaged utility equipment, or a pole that looks about to fall, is for your utility: report it, and don’t ask an electrician to repair the utility’s lines or meter. The service mast on the house usually belongs to the owner, though, and the utility may not reconnect until an electrician has repaired it.
Comes with
Wind and storms
Surge protection, backup power and help with fallen trees after high wind.
Ice storms
Freezing rain, ice on lines, roofs and trees, and the long outages that follow.