Community Corner

Winds Topple Tree onto House on Timarron Cove Lane

Fairfax County offers tips if a tree falls during storm.

A tree on Timarron Cove Lane in Burke fell on a chimney on Monday just as gusts from Hurricane Sandy began to blow. It will likely be the first of many during the storm.

Fairfax County warns that highs winds from Hurricane Sandy could uproot trees and break off limbs.

Tips from the county's emergency blog:

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Please remember, if a tree hits your home:

  1. Get everyone safely out of your house. If your family has a pre-determined meeting place, head there, or go to a nearby shelter (another home or open public facility) to stay dry and out of the elements.
  2. Use your cell phone or go to a neighbor and call 911
  3. Stay away from the home until public safety employees can access the home for structural stability and ensure utilities are controlled. 
  4. Only after all of these safety measures have taken place should you call your insurance company.

In all cases, stay away from downed wires near downed trees. Electricity can travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire.

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If trees do fall in your neighborhood, here’s who to call in the days ahead regarding removal:

Adjacent to Public Roads

  • Contact Virginia Department of Transportation at 1-800-FOR-ROAD,TTY 711.

On County Parkland

  • Contact Fairfax County Park Authority at 703-324-8594, TTY 703-324-3988.

Posing Hazard to Public Areas

  • Contact Fairfax County Urban Forestry at 703-324-1770, TTY 703-324-1877.

Private Property

  • Removal is the property owner’s responsibility.


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