How supply chain organizations can help with Hurricane Matthew relief efforts

As Hurricane Matthew continues to rip across Florida after leaving more than 270 people dead in Haiti, there is a growing need for logistics services and assets to help relief organizations.

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), which connects the resources of the transport and logistics community with the needs of disaster-relief groups, said in an e-mail communiqué that it anticipates the need for warehouse space, transportation, and material handling equipment, but that requests for such items may take several days to a week to be made as damage assessments are completed and local resources at the ready are exhausted.

ALAN said it is trying to procure forklifts to support a Salvation Army feeding operation in Daytona Beach, Florida, and is working with its domestic partners to respond to needs in the Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba, countries that have been battered by the storm. Here's a map that shows what's needed in different locations.

Donations of warehouse space or transportation equipment should be made by submitting offers at alanaid.org/how-to-help/offerinkind/. Alternatively, prospective donors can contact Kathy Fulton, ALAN's executive director, at 863-668-4238 or 863-559-6188, or by e-mail at Kathy@ALANaid.org.