Blunt force trauma
- Trees are heavy and can break, causing
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Head and body impact: Direct hits from falling trees or branches can cause fatal injuries.
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Crushing: Trees can crush vehicles (when driving, it is hard to see or hear that a tree is about to fall), homes, or other structures, trapping people beneath.
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- Wind and lightning – can break trees.
Secondary injuries (tree-related)
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Debris penetration: Sharp branches or splinters can pierce bodies.
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Flying debris: Broken branches or tree parts can hit people.
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Electrocution: Fallen trees contacting power lines can electrocute victims.
Indirect causes (tree-related)
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Carbon monoxide poisoning: Generators or vehicles trapped under trees can produce deadly fumes.
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Fire: Downed trees contacting power lines can spark fires.
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Medical emergencies: Storm-related stress or injuries can exacerbate pre-existing conditions.
Common scenarios
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Driving or traveling: Trees falling on roads or vehicles.
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Outdoor activities: Hiking, camping, or playing during storms.
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Home destruction: Trees crushing homes or apartments.
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Utility line accidents: Trees contacting power or communication lines.
Prevention strategies
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Stay informed – about weather forecasts.
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Stay indoors – away from windows.
- Avoid travelling – especially driving.
- Maintain – trees regularly.
- Evacuate areas – near vulnerable trees.
Safety tips during storms
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Monitor – local news and weather reports.
- Avoid – severe wind, beachfronts and lightning.
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Follow – evacuation orders.
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Phone lines – keep open for emergency calls.
- Emergency supplies – keep readily available.
