How to Report a Downed Tree or Storm Debris in Fostoria

Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

FOSTORIA- After a strong storm, the first question is often who to call about the tree in the road or the branch on the wires. In Fostoria, the answer depends on where the tree is and whether it is touching a power line. Here is a quick guide.

First: Is it touching a power line?

If a tree or branch has fallen on a power line, or a line is down, sparking or smoking, treat it as an emergency. AEP Ohio’s tree problem page says to report it right away to 911 or to AEP’s Customer Solutions Center at 800-672-2231, which is available 24 hours. AEP says its online forms are not monitored around the clock, so do not use a web form for an emergency.

• Never go near or touch a power line, or anything touching one.
• Do not try to cut or move a tree that is on or near lines. AEP warns that serious injury or death can occur, and that only trained professionals should work on trees near power lines.
• Keep children and pets away and warn neighbors.

For non-emergency tree concerns near AEP lines, the same page offers a request form, an email address ([email protected]) and a phone number, 614-883-6987. AEP says it will not trim or remove trees only to protect private property, and it does not maintain trees around the service line that runs from the pole to your house. If you hire a contractor to work near that service line, AEP asks you to call 800-672-2231 so a crew can schedule a disconnect.

A tree or limb in the street or right-of-way

The Fostoria Street Department lists these among its jobs:

• Picking up tree limbs and debris within the public right-of-way
• Trimming tree limbs that block traffic signs, signals and roadways
• Running the city’s Brush Drop-Off and Mulch Center at Foundation Park

To report a limb blocking a street or sidewalk, call the Street Department at 419-435-4115 or City Hall at 419-435-8282. If a downed tree blocks a road at night and creates a hazard, call the Fostoria Police non-emergency line at 419-435-8573, or 911 if someone could be hurt.

Trees on private property and the boulevard

The city’s FAQ says owners of boulevard trees are responsible for those trees. Trees and limbs in your own yard are your responsibility to clean up, or your landlord’s if you rent. If a neighbor’s tree falls on your property, contact your insurance company about coverage.

What to do with branches from your yard

The city’s Brush Drop-Off and Mulch Center is at Foundation Park. Call the Street Department at 419-435-4115 for current hours, what materials are accepted and whether the city plans any curbside storm pickup after a major event. Do not pile brush in the street, where it can block storm drains and traffic.

Other cleanup questions

• Leaves: The Street Department lists fall leaf collection among its seasonal services. Call 419-435-4115 for this year’s schedule.
• Streetlights knocked out: The city’s FAQ says AEP operates streetlights, except for those on Main Street, which the city maintains. AEP has an online form for reporting a streetlight that is out.
• Dead animals: The Street Department picks up dead animals if they are in the street or the boulevard.

Countywide storm help

After a major storm, the Seneca County Emergency Management Agency shares information about road closures and other hazards. Its non-emergency number is 419-447-0266. Residents can sign up for the county’s Hyper-Reach alerts by text, email or phone call through the EMA website.

Quick reference

• Tree on power lines, downed or sparking wires: 911 or AEP, 800-672-2231 (24 hours)
• Limb or tree in a city street or right-of-way: Street Department, 419-435-4115
• City Hall: 419-435-8282
• Police non-emergency: 419-435-8573
• Seneca County EMA: 419-447-0266
• Anyone hurt or in danger: 911

Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

AEP Ohio, Report Tree Problem page and Report Streetlight Problem page safety-hazard notes (aepohio.com)
City of Fostoria, Street Department page (fostoriaohio.gov/1206) and Street FAQs
Seneca County Emergency Management Agency home and Hyper-Reach pages (senecacountyema.org)
Seneca County EMA, Comfort Centers page (Fostoria Police non-emergency number)