‘Tis the season of unpredictable weather.  The ever changing weather often comes with little or no warning.  Severe storms, high winds, flooding, tornadoes and the occasional freak hail storm can destroy property and even cause loss of human life.  To complicate matters more, the aftermath can be even more dangerous if not handled with precaution and expertise.

Being proactive and planning for emergencies is vital for safety and survival.  Kinnucan Tree Experts and Landscape Company can guide you on how to weather the storm safely and we are available to pick up the pieces after the storm, regardless of day or time.  Our expert emergency team is available 24/7.  We are proud to announce we have been voted “The Best of the Best” in Lake Bluff and Lake Forest after the devastating storm that took us by surprise in June.

Fallen trees can cause all sorts of chaos.  Blocking roadways, knocking out power lines, severe property damage to homes, commercial buildings, automobiles, you name it.  No fixed, or even moving, object is safe when a tree is coming down with force.   It is important to have an expert remove a fallen tree to avoid the untrained unforeseen dangers that could result and cause even more damage; or even severe injuries and possible death.

Tips on how to Weather the Storm Safely:

Having a safe plan to protect your family in the event of dangerous weather and emergency situations is extremely important.

• Have a disaster supply kit readily available.
• Have a plan:

1. Designate and know where your “safe place” is.
2. A meeting spot if you were to be separated.
3.  Know who your out of town contact is and how to contact them.
4. Know where your disaster supply kit is located.

• Take pictures or videos of your home, its contents for insurance purposes. Keep at a friend’s home.
• Know where your gas and water shut-off valves are located.
• Have cash on hand.  (power outages means no ATM or Credit Cards)
• Fill your car up
• Include pets in your plan. (This includes making sure their vaccinations are up-to-date).
• Listen to emergency announcements and follow directions.  THIS IS KEY!!!

Tips for After the Storm:

• Contact your out-of-town person and other family members to let them know you are okay.
• Continue to listen to emergency announcements:

1. Wait for the “all clear” before returning home or leaving your “safe room”.
2. Access damages in your home.

• Contact your insurance provider to report damages.
• Clean spilled chemicals – medicines, bleaches, gasoline and any other flammable liquids.
• Again, include your pets:  Confine them during clean-up; use a leash when re-orienting them to the new environment of the home.  If you cannot locate your pet after the disaster – contact your local animal control office immediately.
• Be neighborly; make sure your neighbors are okay – especially the elderly and disabled.
• Repair and block access to anything in your home that is damaged and can be dangerous.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• CONTACT AN EXPERT to remove trees and large debris. 

Following a few simple steps and preparing for the worst is the safest measure.  As the old saying goes, “it is better to be safe than sorry”.   We are here to help you prepare for the worse and will get you back to the best safely.  Call our expert team if you have any questions.