Follow simple safety steps when clearing storm damaged trees
After a major storm, cleaning up fallen trees and branches is a big task. Many people try to do this themselves, but safety must always come first. According to Joe Zeleznik, a forester at North Dakota State University Extension, the most important rule is to stay away from downed power lines. These wires may still carry electricity and can seriously hurt or kill someone, even if they don’t look dangerous. Always wait for the power company to say it is safe before going near them.
The next thing to watch out for is moving branches. A small branch stuck under a heavy one can suddenly spring up or shift when you cut or move it. These sudden movements can knock you over or cause serious injuries. It’s important to think before cutting or dragging any part of a damaged tree.
Wearing the right safety gear is also important. Use a hard hat, gloves, hearing protection, and protective boots when using a chainsaw or power tools. Special chainsaw safety chaps can help protect your legs from accidents.
When you live on a farm, you often think you need to take every task on yourself. “Know what’s beyond your capacity and hire a professional when necessary,” said Zeleznik.
Zeleznik says there are many highly trained and experienced individuals, who have the proper equipment and know-how to remove damaged trees and debris safely. “Split stems, rotted stems and large unattached branches that are high off the ground can be very dangerous to remove and should be taken care of by the professionals.”
Finally, if you hire a tree care company, make sure they are insured. Ask for proof of insurance before agreeing to any work. This protects you if something goes wrong.
For more helpful tips and resources on dealing with disasters, visit NDSU’s disaster education website at ndsu.ag/disasterinfo.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Egor Kamelev