I-TEAM: How to protect your home, wallet from tree damage
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Homeowners across the CSRA are still working to remove toppled trees after Hurricane Helene.
Now a new concern, winds from Hurricane Milton could cause damaged trees from the first hurricane to fall on Thursday.
Many of you are still waiting on adjusters to come look at our property so you can have damage repaired.
Insurance companies cover the damage from trees that have fallen onto the roof of your home, but what they don’t cover are the trees compromised that could fall onto your house.
At Harry’s Equipment Center, legends are born from tales of survival.
“I am getting a new chain and new saw if need be. Me and some of my neighbors in my neighborhood went around cutting some of the trees off of the powerlines,” said Harry.
“I have used that saw so much over the week I believe something has happened to the Carburetor. I burnt the carburetor up in it,” he said.
Liz: “How many trees did you cut down?”
Harry: “I have no idea.”
Burned out, warn out and far from finished.
Don’t be a victim: Scammers are already preying on Helene victims
Severe weather means likely storm damage, and just as common as fallen trees or damaged homes are scammers who try to make a dollar during a time of disaster.
Bernard Pryer and his crew haven’t stopped since the hurricane hit.
“We’ve been working on this a couple of days now it was worse than this she couldn’t even see the house,” said Pryer.
Signs on every street corner as the clock keeps ticking.
“Just trying to cut them down before the wind comes,” said Pryer.
Liz: “What if you can’t cut them down?”
Pryer: “Well if it’s blowing your way you better get out of the house.”
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Insurance won’t cover leaning trees until they become fallen trees.
Tree companies from across the state and nation are here to help, but fraud investigators are urging homeowners to protect their wallets along with their property.
Check business licenses, don’t sign long-term contracts and do not pay the full amount until the work is complete.
When you can’t save the trees, save your home and your wallet.
We talked to some of our local law enforcement agencies and asked them if they’ve had any reports of fraudulent contractors or scams, they told us no and they hope it stays that way.
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