INSIDE EDITION speaks to an expert on tree safety after a tree landed on a children's museum in California, sending two children to the hospital.
It was a devastating scene as a giant, 75-foot pine tree fell right onto kids visiting a children's museum in Pasadena, California.
The injured little campers were hit by branches. Two were hospitalized in critical condition.
"You take a trip to a museum, you don't expect a tree to fall over on your kids," said one woman.
Parents and teachers stood stunned. Who would have thought a tree that seemed healthy could just topple over without warning?
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The freak accident came just two days after another tree came crashing through a house in Great Neck, New York, landing right on a sleeping college student.
Stephanie Epstein is recovering in the hospital on Wednesday, counting her blessings. She survived because she was sleeping on her side. The tree landed across her body.
Trees falling in storms is a common sight. Heavy rain loosens the soil or strong winds knock them over. But rotten or diseased trees can topple over at any time.
If you have trees on your property, it may be time to take a closer look at them for the tell-tale signs of decay.
David Cion, president of Long Island Lumberjack, offered INSIDE EDITION some tips on how to keep your home safe when it comes to trees. First, he said, look at the leaves. "If there is a problem with the tree, you'll see a loss of leaves on one side, or on the entire thing," he said.
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Next, he said, check the trunk. Cavities and stress cracks can let water into the tree and cause rot. "On the stump, look for root rot, cavities and holes," he said.
Check your trees at least once a year. You don't want to wake up to a tree disaster, or have trees fallling on little kids.
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