Jan 13, 2017 - Leading up to the weekend's potential ice storm, the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) would like to remind N
January 13, 2017 For Immediate Release
Public Safety Risks, Scams Could Follow Ice Storm For more information: Graham Herbst Community Forestry Specialist, Eastern Nebraska,
[email protected] 402.444.7845 Amy Seiler Community Forestry Specialist, Western Nebraska
[email protected] 308.633.1173 Jason Kuiper Communications Specialist, Omaha Public Power District
[email protected] 402.636.3757
Leading up to the weekend’s potential ice storm, the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) would like to remind Nebraskans to exercise caution when surveying neighborhood damage or assessing impacts to their trees. Homeowners should never attempt to clean up or remove storm-damaged trees near power lines. Always contact local power companies to report the location of the damage. “Accumulations between one-quarter and one-half inch can cause small branches to break, whereas anything greater can cause limbs, power lines and poles to all come down,” said NFS Community Forestry Specialist, Amy Seiler. When inspecting a tree for damage, Seiler adds, it is tempting for homeowners to take on the entire job themselves—often overlooking hazards that are not always obvious to the untrained eye. “Regardless of the species, ice can increase the weight of branches 30 times or more. This additional weight loads branches with tension and if not relieved correctly, limbs can unpredictably spring back into saw operators or bystanders.” After initial storm damage is cleared, homeowners should look for lateral cracks in branches and vertical cracks in the trunk says Seiler. If cracks are found, a certified arborist should be contacted. The NFS recommends certified arborists because of their expertise in the management of damaged trees—especially large and potentially hazardous trees. Certified arborists also help shield homeowners from scams that are likely to follow any severe weather event. “Certified arborists and other reputable companies will have personal and property damage insurance and coverage for worker’s compensation,” said Seiler. “They almost never solicit work door-to-door. But if they do, do not be afraid to request proof of the company’s certification and insurance.” Utilities are also urging customers to not take matters into their own hands if the storm does materialize. “We are monitoring the weather situation closely and have extra crews ready to be dispatched,” said Jason Kuiper of the Omaha Public Power District. “Ice storms like the one forecast for our area can be problematic for power lines, but we are ready to react should there be outages.”
To find a certified arborist near you, please visit: http://www.nearborists.org/search_for_arborist For more information on caring for storm damaged trees, please visit: http://nfs.unl.edu/Storm%20Damage%20series%20Mobile.pdf ###
