When I was growing up, my parents’ house was located on an old farm that had grown up in longleaf pine. When we had a bad ice storm it sounded like a running gun battle outside. We all stayed near the big fireplace in sleeping bags, even though dad ran the generator to the blower for the gas furnace. In retrospect, my dad probably figured that the massive brick chimney (this was an old fashioned open fireplace that easily took 6’ logs, with chimney to match) and the beams around it would keep even a large tree from squashing us all flat . . . .
Good thinking by your dad! And good memories!