Just two weeks ago, with Hurricane Lane on the horizon, the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) noted that “long-haul transportation is by far our number one request. Sadly, it’s also the hardest to fill.”
Now, as Hurricane Florence nears the East Coast, and several named storms threaten other U.S. states and interests, ALAN is mobilizing for action – and encouraging industry businesses to do the same. The American Logistics Aid Network helps by sharing the details of what logistics services are truly needed and can connect those who want to participate in disaster relief efforts.
Earlier today, ALAN activated a hurricane micro-site that will allow organizations to monitor each storm’s path, view recent alerts and get updates on transportation and supply chain conditions in impacted areas.
“This site serves as the centerpiece of our efforts to keep people informed about key safety and supply chain developments in the days ahead,” said Kathy Fulton, ALAN’s Executive Director. “It’s also where ALAN will relay requests for hurricane-related logistics assistance.”
Fulton added that, while some of these requests may be immediate, most could take far longer to emerge, because it often takes several days or weeks after a storm hits in order for government and relief organizations to assess impacts and determine which goods and services are most needed.
In the meantime, logistics professionals can help ALAN pave the way for quicker post-hurricane recovery by staying safe (including giving employees in potentially impacted areas ample time to prepare and/or evacuate), steering clear of collection drives (which can clog disaster-impacted supply chains and inadvertently do more harm than good) and staying tuned, because significant opportunities to help will ultimately arise, according to ALAN.
“Logistics challenges and costs are among the largest hurdles that most relief organizations face after a disaster,” Fulton said. “While we certainly hope that none of these storms will be as destructive as predicted, we’re glad to be part of an industry that can provide so many meaningful solutions – and grateful to the many companies that are already making it possible for us to help,” she concluded.