ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As wind speeds pick up in the Rochester area this Thanksgiving Day, crews are getting ready to respond to possible downed trees, power outages and other wind-related issues.
News10NBC looked into how tree service and utility companies are preparing. Pete Grisewood, vice president of Birchcrest Lawn and Landscaping, said crews are ready for what the day could bring.
“All of our staff has been notified that there may be high winds. There might be some snow, some lake effect snow, ice, precipitation and so forth,” Grisewood said. “And so we’ve got crews at the ready. Our trucks are all ready to go. Chainsaws sharpened up, and we’re ready to hit the road and take care of things.”
Grisewood said that, even though it’s a holiday, staff members are still on standby to respond.
“Pretty much any holiday, we know we might get called up. And so we have to let people know and put them on notice that you might get that phone call. And at that time, you got to drop everything and come on out and save the day,” Grisewood said.
So, what can the regular homeowner handle and when should the pros be called in?
“My best advice is don’t put yourself in any position where it might be dangerous if a tree is against your house or lying down in the front yard. Call a professional to take a look at it,” Grisewood said. “If you need to trim a couple of branches, that’s okay. But don’t get into anything that you’re not comfortable with.”
Grisewood said that, when you have a good-sized tree or branches that come down, just leave the chainsaw work to the pros.
“There are more accidents that happen to homeowners on ladders or with chainsaws every year. That could easily be avoided. Just give a call. Doesn’t have to be Birch. Call a professional. Get somebody out there to take care of it safely for you,” Grisewood said.
That applies especially if a tree falls on power lines that end up in your yard. Stay away from fallen power lines.
RG&E and NYSEG have more than 1,700 crews around the state ready to jump in. That’s about 130 more than normal. If you do have a power outage, RG&E says you should report them like usual. The holiday will not have an impact on that.
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