Fences, floods and storms in Albany

Albany's weather history reads like a checklist of what can happen to a fence. The Flint River has flooded the city repeatedly, including 1925, 1994 (after Tropical Storm Alberto, when 14 people died and 22,000 were displaced) and 1998, when the river crested 35 feet above its bed. Tornadoes struck on January 2 and January 22, 2017, and Hurricane Michael crossed South Georgia in October 2018. The city also records thunder on about 86 days a year, more than twice the national average.

Floods

• Let water pass. Solid fences across a drainage path act like a dam; open designs or a gap at the bottom let water through.
• Grade away from the house. The zoning ordinance asks lots to drain away from buildings; a fence shouldn't trap water against the house.
• Choose materials that tolerate wet feet. Vinyl, aluminum and galvanized chain link don't rot.

Wind

• Deep posts with concrete at corners, ends and gates.
• Semi-privacy styles that let some wind through.
• Trim limbs that hang over the fence line.

After a storm

1. Stay away from downed power lines; a fence touching one may be energized.
2. Photograph the damage before clearing it.
3. Make sure any pool is still enclosed by at least 4 feet of fence.
4. Check the posts; that decides repair versus replace.