Man Killed When Tree Falls Onto Home In Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- One person died Monday afternoon when a tree fell onto his home in Sandy Springs. The city said the victim, a male resident, was inside the home on Hardeman Road when it fell, "cutting through the house and (landing) on top of the individual," city spokesperson Sharon Kraun said.

No other details about the victim will be released until his next of kin is notified, the city said.

Kraun said the city normally would not publish or share such a graphic image, but wanted to use this opportunity to make a point to its residents.

"This storm is dangerous," she added. "If you live in a home surrounded by trees – even one tree – you need to make sure that you and your family are situated in a lower level of the home in an area where you’ll be safe should a tree fall onto the house. We’ve had around nine reports of trees falling on houses since 1 (p.m.) this afternoon and a long night ahead. We want everyone to be safe. Please stay inside and stay in a room that would be safe should a tree fall on the home."

The city is grappling with reports of dozens of fallen trees and power lines. Two homes were damaged Monday when trees fell onto those structures earlier in the day. About one million people are without power across Georgia, and many cities and counties are scrambling in an effort to respond to reports of downed trees.

Sandy Springs residents are encouraged to follow the city's Facebook and Twitter accounts, view its incident map and sign up for Sandy Springs Alerts to stay informed about the current situation.

Return to Patch for updates.

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