Emergencies and storms: your questions answered

A tree fell on my house. What do I do first?

Make sure people are safe. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. If a power line is down or tangled in the tree, stay away and call NV Energy before anyone approaches. Once everyone is safe, call us at 775.232.8243. Do not climb on a damaged roof or cut a loaded branch yourself, because a tree under tension can move. Take photos from a safe distance for your records. Our guide, a tree fell on the house, lists the first hour in order.

Do you really offer emergency service 24 hours a day?

Yes. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day, and the number is 775.232.8243. There is no separate emergency number. The phone line is staffed seven days a week, and if the office manager is not available, calls forward to the owner. If you reach the message box, leave your name, address and number, because messages are returned within 8 hours. See emergency tree service.

What does storm clean-up include?

Our storm and emergency list covers removing trees from houses, clearing roads and driveways, pruning or removing trees that could cause injury or more damage, a safety assessment, cabling and stabilization, and collecting and disposing of storm debris. What applies to you depends on what came down. Describe the situation when you call, including what is blocked and whether anything is touching the house. Read about emergency and storm service.

How fast can you get to me?

We do not promise an arrival time. Conditions, the number of calls after a storm, and your location all matter. What we can say is that someone answers the phone seven days a week and emergency service is available around the clock. Tell the office your address, what is down and whether anyone is hurt or a line is involved, and they will tell you what to expect. Drive times to each town are listed on our service areas page.

Do existing customers get priority after a storm?

Yes. After severe storms our priority is responding to existing clients, but we are equipped to provide service to anyone in need. If you are not yet a customer, call anyway. A big storm brings many calls at once, so be patient and give the office complete information. Keep your phone line free after you call. Our guide for homeowners explains how we work with them.

Full answer: Do existing customers get priority after a storm?

A tree is on a power line. Can you move it?

Do not go near it. Stay well away, keep others away, and call NV Energy. Utility lines and the trees touching them are NV Energy's to make safe. Unqualified people must stay at least 10 feet from lines up to 50 kV, and a downed line may still be live. Once NV Energy has made the area safe, call us for the tree. We do not claim line-clearance certification. Read our guide to trees and power lines.

Full answer: A tree is on a power line. What do I do?

Will my insurance cover storm damage?

That is for your insurer to decide, and policies differ. Photos taken from a safe distance, the date of the storm and a written estimate help any claim. We provide detailed, easy-to-understand estimates. We are not insurance adjusters and cannot say what a policy pays. Call your insurer early and ask what they need. Read our general information on homeowners insurance and tree removal and storm damage insurance claims.

Can you clear a road or driveway blocked by a tree?

Yes. Clearing roads and driveways is part of our emergency services. We also own plows, pushers and front-end loaders for snow. If a fallen tree is across a private road or a long driveway, tell the office what size it is and whether a line is involved. Public roads are the responsibility of the city, county or state, so call them for a downed tree on a public road. See emergency service.

Full answer: Can you clear a road or driveway blocked by a fallen tree?

What should I do about hanging or broken limbs after wind?

Stay out from under them and keep children and pets away. A broken limb caught in a canopy can fall without warning. Do not try to pull it down. Call us, and the crew will assess it. Hazards can be pruned at any time of year. Call 911 if someone is hurt and NV Energy if the limb is on a line. Our guide on widow-makers and hanging limbs explains why.

What should I have ready when I call?

Your address and a callback number, what has come down and where, whether anyone is hurt, and whether a power line, gas meter or roof is involved. Mention gates, steep driveways or a narrow street, since crews need to reach the tree. A few photos taken from a safe distance help the office. You can also send them with the estimate form when it is not urgent. Roof repair or tarping is not on our service list, so your insurer or a roofer would handle that.

Full answer: What should I have ready when I call about a fallen tree?