Posted on
02/13/2017
If a tree falls, then who do you call? Here’s a list of who to contact if you see a downed tree or wires:
1.) Life-Threatening
- If there’s an immediate life-safety issue, call or text 9-1-1.
- If a tree falls into your home:
- Get everyone safely out of your house. Use your cellphone or go to a neighbor’s house and call 9-1-1.
- Stay away from the home until public safety employees can access your home for structural safety (as well as ensuring your utilities are OK or should be turned off.)
- Only after all of these safety measures should you then call your insurance company.
2.) Power Lines
- Of course, NEVER touch a downed wire.
- Dominion Power: 1-866-366-4357 or online at www.dom.com/outage-center.
- NOVEC: 1-888-335-0500 or online at www.novec.com/stormcenter.
3.) Roads
- Call the Virginia Department of Transportation at 1-800-367-7623, TTY 711, or use VDOT’s online reporting form.
4.) Sidewalks
- Check out our online map of who maintains sidewalks to find out who’s responsible to remove trees/tree limbs. Most sidewalks are VDOT’s responsibility, so call 1-800-367-7623, TTY 711, or use VDOT’s online reporting form.
5.) Fairfax County Government/Parks/Schools
- County Government buildings: 703-324-2055, TTY 711
- Fairfax County Park Authority property: 703-324-8594, TTY 711 or report online
- Fairfax County Public Schools property: 703-764-2429, TTY 711
6.) Private Property
- Removal is the property owner’s responsibility. We suggest direct communication with your neighbor, then we recommend contacting a professional, licensed arborist to inspect the tree. The county has no authority in civil issues like downed trees.
7.) Posing Hazard to Public Areas
- Contact Fairfax County Urban Forestry at 703-324-1770, TTY 703-324-1877.
A final note: beware of tree trimming scams that continue to plague our community.
