A HERCULEAN EFFORT
to Rebuild a Region after Two Hurricanes Hurricane Laura, a category 4 storm, devastated Southwest Louisiana on August 27, 2020, causing more than $19 billion in damage throughout the Gulf Coast region. Six weeks later, Hurricane Delta, a category 2 storm, followed an eerily similar path, causing $2.9 billion in additional destruction to the already storm-weary area. Two devastating hurricanes have left Southwest Louisiana with major damages to homes, fences, commercial buildings; virtually every property owner had some type of damage to repair. Many are still unable to live in their homes almost a year later. Southwest Louisiana has a population of about 300,000; Lake Charles is the largest city within the region with a population of about 80,000 within the city limits. Hercules Fence is located in Lake Charles. Bryan Harris, manager of 10
JULY 2021 | FENCE NEWS USA
Hercules Fence, says they are working diligently to repair as many fences as possible, but given the scope of damage, it’s a challenge. “The eye of Hurricane Laura tore through the middle of Lake Charles and literally took down every fence within a 20-mile radius,” Bryan explains. “Think of every customer you know needing your services overnight, that’s what we’re dealing with. It might seem like a total blessing, but it is somewhat of a curse. It’s impossible to take care and service all of our customers at one time.”
A family-owned business, Hercules Fence has been installing fences for almost 70 years. Owner Charles Harris ensures his team provides a quality product with excellent service. The company is well-known and respected throughout the region. As his son, Bryan, explains, “We went through Hurricane Rita in 2005. That was a category 5 storm, causing major damage. We learned a lot of lessons on how to deal with a major hurricane Continuted on p12
