Macon concerned Hurricane Helene will knock trees down. What to do if tree hits your house

City officials were preparing for tree damage across Macon Thursday as Hurricane Helene drew closer to land.

The storm is expected to bring 5wind gusts up to 60 mph, as well as heavy rain and flooding conditions, according to National Weather Service warnings and information from Macon-Bibb County late Thursday. Macon was already getting lots of rain Thursday before the storm reached the area.

Chris Floore, chief communications officer with the Macon-Bibb County government, said the rain will saturate the ground ahead of the storm, making it easier for trees to pull out of the ground in the ensuing high winds.

Macon saw similar damage in 2017, when Hurricane Irma brought similar conditions to Middle Georgia. Floore said the storm left huge amounts of tree damage across the county. That was also the last time the county had a hurricane warning.

If a tree does damage your home, you should evacuate everyone to a safe part of the house away from where the tree has fallen. Watch out for gas leaks or electrical hazards that the tree may have caused. You should also call 911 and your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Insurance providers will also need you to document the damage, so once the storm is cleared and it is safe to do so, photograph the damage and take notes. The house will not be safe to live in after a tree has fallen on it, so be sure to arrange to stay at a hotel or with a family member or friend until the damage is repaired.