A tornado just hit your neighborhood. Once the immediate danger passes and you’ve confirmed everyone is safe, you’ll start assessing damage. If your fence is down, broken, or missing entirely, here’s exactly what to do — in order — to protect your safety, your property, and your insurance claim.
1. Stay Safe First
- Watch for downed power lines — they can be hidden under fence debris and remain energized. Stay at least 35 feet away and call your utility company.
- Check for gas leaks — if you smell gas near damaged fence posts that may have hit utility lines, leave the area and call 911.
- Wear protective gear — sturdy boots, gloves, and long sleeves when walking through debris fields. Nails, screws, and sharp metal are common in storm debris.
- Watch for unstable structures — damaged fences may be leaning against buildings, cars, or other structures that could shift.
2. Document Everything Before Touching Anything
This is the most important step for your insurance claim. Before you start cleanup or make any temporary repairs:
- Take photos of all damage from multiple angles (wide shots and close-ups)
- Shoot video walking the entire fence line
- Photograph the cause of damage (fallen trees, debris impacts, etc.)
- Document damage to surrounding property too
- Note the date, time, and weather conditions
- Save damaged materials — don’t haul them to the curb before the adjuster visits
3. Secure Your Property with Temporary Fencing
A damaged fence leaves your property unsecured. This matters for:
- Safety: Children and pets can access hazardous debris areas
- Security: Unfortunately, property crime often increases after disasters
- Liability: You’re responsible for hazards on your property
- Insurance: Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage
AF&G provides temporary fence rental with rapid deployment after storms. Call (501) 771-9929 for same-day or next-day temporary fencing.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
- File your claim as soon as possible — most policies require prompt reporting
- Fence damage falls under “other structures” coverage (Coverage B)
- Ask about your deductible and coverage limits
- Request an adjuster visit
- See our complete fence insurance claims guide for detailed instructions
5. Get a Professional Estimate
Before the adjuster arrives, get an independent estimate from a licensed fence contractor. This gives you leverage if the insurance company’s initial offer seems low. AF&G provides free on-site damage assessments with detailed, itemized estimates formatted for insurance submission.
6. Plan Permanent Repairs
Once your insurance claim is underway, it’s time to plan the permanent repair or replacement. Consider:
- Repair vs. replace: If more than 50% of your fence is damaged, full replacement is usually more cost-effective
- Material upgrade: This may be an opportunity to upgrade to more storm-resistant materials
- Timeline: After major storm events, demand for fence contractors surges. Getting on the schedule early matters.
Fence damaged by a storm? Call AF&G at (501) 771-9929 for emergency assessment, temporary fencing, and insurance-ready estimates. We serve all of Arkansas and the Mid-South. Emergency Storm Response Services