09/26/2024
Also good advice, especially the SeeClickFix app
If a tree falls in Milton, what do you do?
This could be a reality for many people very soon as Helene hits our area. This could bring with it sustained winds between 40 and 60 mph, as well as gusts up to 80 mph. Factor in heavy rains that could unsettle trees, and you could have many trees – not to mention smaller branches – falling all around the city.
What you do next, and what happens next, depends on several things. In a major storm, our first responders will be very busy with their primary focus on our community’s health and safety. For everyone’s sake, it’s best to minimize 911 calls (and the resulting responses) to only the most necessary ones. With that in mind, here are some scenarios:
• If a tree falls in your yard and doesn’t hit any structure, no need to call anyone. Just wait for the storm to clear (and, if applicable, the sun to rise) to go, check it out, and take action as needed. That might involve calling a professional tree company.
• If a tree falls on your house, call 911 if you or others are trapped and cannot get out. A first responder can go out to help everyone exit your home safely. Be mindful that it may take longer for firefighters, for instance, to reach your house than usual because road conditions may be perilous in a storm.
• If a tree falls on your house and no one is in danger, you do not need to call 911. Instead, go to a safe part of the home and stay put until the storm clears. You’ll want to call your homeowners insurance company sooner rather than later as well.
• If a tree falls in the road, please report that to the City via SeeClickFix. You can download the app – make sure you’re at Milton, Georgia – or do it online at https://seeclickfix.com/miltonga (or https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/YJmBQhCHALt7PChFT1DtNYhJ/report/category). This routes the request directly to the City teams who can make sure the roadway is clear. Before you report anything, you should check the SeeClickFix map to see if it’s already been reported. You can also call 678-242-2700.
A major storm like this isn’t easy for anyone. But we hugely appreciate our citizens for doing their part, and helping us do our jobs as well. Together, we’ll get through this!
