The first thing to do after a major storm has damaged property is to call your insurance agent, said Rich Hanner, general manager of D&C Fence Co. in Corpus Christi. After a major storm like Hurricane Harvey, which hit the Coastal Bend in August 2017, insurance agents will be extremely busy, so be patient and prepared to wait, he added.
While waiting, document the damage to your property, including your fence. Take pictures of the damage, making note of the day the pictures were taken and the day of the storm. You should also read through your homeowner’s insurance policy to check and recheck what coverage you have.
Also, gather together any documentation you may have about the cost of your property, when it was built, and what shape it was in before the storm hit.
“From there an estimator will come out and talk it over with you,” Hanner said.
If that takes a while, you can always start researching what kind of fencing you want to replace what was destroyed. D&C Fence Co. offers free estimates for building, repairing, or replacing fences.
Make sure to deal with reputable local fencing companies, Hanner said. Look out for scammers who come into storm damaged areas looking to make a quick buck and then leaving town.
“You’ve already had enough damage in your life, you don’t need to fall victim to a scam,” he said. “Find someone who has a local address, with business cards, marked trucks, and who you can research online.” And
As a fence builder in the Coastal Bend, D&C has to be prepared for more than the occasional seasonal hurricane. The area is prone to a steady blast of high winds, frequent wind storms, high humidity, and unsteady ground.
The company is always prepared to help its customers when storm damage happens, whether that’s from a hurricane or from the constant and sometimes unexpected high winds prone in coastal areas.
D&C is still helping with recovery from Hurricane Harvey.
“People with really major damage have to focus on building a new house,” Hanner said. “They may not have gotten to their fences yet.”
D&C Fence Co. is located at 1029 Savage Lane in Corpus Christi. Call 361-289-8277 for more information, or visit dcfence.com.