What to Do When Your Fence Blows Down

You wake up to a gap where the back fence used to be, or you hear it go over in the middle of a storm. Here's what to do, in order.

In the first hour

1. Check for power lines

If a power line is down on or near the fence, stay well away, keep everyone else away, and call PG&E or 911. A fence touching a line can be energized. Don't try to move it.

2. Secure pets and kids

For most families this is the real emergency. Keep dogs inside or on a leash until the gap is closed, even ones that "never leave the yard." A new opening is exactly what gets them out.

3. Close off the pool

If the fence or gate that fell is part of your pool barrier, the pool is now open to the street or neighbors. Keep the yard off-limits until the barrier is restored, especially if there are children nearby.

4. Take photos before you touch anything

Photograph the damage from several angles, including close-ups of the broken posts and anything the fence landed on. Dated photos help with insurance, with a neighbor if the fence is shared, and with getting an accurate estimate.

The same day: temporary fixes

• Prop up a leaning section with 2x4s at an angle, staked into the ground or screwed to a stake.
• Close a gap with plywood, a spare panel, or welded-wire fencing, screwed or zip-tied to the posts on either side. Secure the bottom edge; dogs push under.
• Lay fallen panels flat somewhere out of the way. Intact panels can often be reinstalled on new posts, so don't break them up.
• Clear walkways and driveways if the fence fell across one, but only if it's safe and not near power lines.

Within a few days

Talk to your neighbor

If the fence is on a shared property line, it's their problem too. California presumes neighbors share the reasonable cost of a boundary fence (Civil Code §841), and the law calls for 30 days' written notice with the details and estimated cost. Most neighbors just agree to split a written estimate. If you can't agree, that's a question for an attorney or a mediation service.

Check your insurance

Many homeowners policies cover fences under "other structures" when wind or a falling tree causes the damage. Rot, age, and wear usually aren't covered, and your deductible may be higher than the repair. Call your agent or check your policy before you file.

Get an estimate

After a big windstorm, a lot of people are calling at once, so get on a list early. Send photos with your request, including the posts on either side of the break. That helps the contractor plan the visit and tell you whether you're looking at a repair or a bigger job. You can request an estimate here.

What the repair will probably involve

When a fence blows down, the posts almost always broke or pulled out first. A typical repair means removing the broken posts and old concrete, setting new posts, and reattaching the panels, or building new ones if they were damaged. The contractor should also check the posts that are still standing nearby. If they're rotting too, fixing them now can save you another emergency next storm. See storm and wind damage repair for more, or read repair vs. replace if the fence was already old.

Before the next storm

• Walk the fence each fall and push on every post. Fix the ones that move.
• Adjust sprinklers that spray the fence.
• Keep soil, mulch, and firewood off the boards.
• Trim branches hanging over the fence.
• Make sure gates latch so they don't swing and slam all night.