Similar to PG&E, SF311 is advising residents who see a fallen tree that has struck power lines, vehicles or buildings to call 911. Be sure to take detailed notes about the damage: note the street, license plate number (if a car was hit), and the nearest cross street where the fallen tree or branch is located. You can also fill out a tree care application form online, depending on whether you notice a tree that appears to be in danger of falling or a tree that has fallen and caused damage to the area. You can upload photos with the request and add a brief description of the incident.
Other ways to report a fallen tree in the Bay Area
OAK311: In Oakland, you can report emergencies such as fallen trees or branches, flooding, sewer overflows, and road signal failures to OAK311 by dialing 311 or calling (510) 615-5566. Residents can also use the OAK311 home page to submit reports for all non-urgent matters.
SeeClickFix: This 311-based online reporting service works by city. In Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, South San Francisco and beyond, residents can visit the SeeClickFix home page, create an account, and report and upload photos of fallen trees or branches, road signal failures, illegal dumping, and other safety concerns.
Urban Forestry: Berkeley residents who wish to request removal of an urban tree can call 311 within the city limits or dial (510) 981-2489. You can also email a request with photos and necessary street information to trees@cityofberkeley.info.
If you live outside of these areas, your city or county may have its own process for reporting a fallen tree. Google “report a fallen tree” and your city or county name to find the website, email address, or phone number recommended as the quickest way to alert local authorities to the hazard.
A massive blue spruce fell on power lines in Oakland during storms on January 4, 2023, damaging the electrical panel at a nearby home and causing a power outage. The city has received more than 324 tree-related service requests since New Year’s Eve due to torrential rain and wind. (Farida Jhabvala Romero/KQED)
3. Document everything for your insurance
Take photos and document everything. Take photos of your vehicle or property from different angles and note the date and time(s) the damage occurred. Make sure you do all of this before your car is safely moved.
www.kqed.org
https://www.kqed.org/news/11944945/a-tree-fell-on-my-car-in-the-bay-area-what-do-i-do
