A Herculean Effort to Rebuild a Region after Two Hurricanes

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 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