The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) is urging members of Florida’s logistics community to help with the recovery effort following significant destruction caused by Hurricane Debby throughout Florida and Georgia.

Cyclone Debby crossed land in the early evening of August 5, leaving a trail of damage in her wake.

Kathy Fulton, executive director of ALAN, says the organisation started working with non-profits, which are leading the relief effort, before the cyclone made landfall and is providing updates on what is needed through its website. 

The recovery effort will be assisted by the use of 80 electric pallet jacks which were donated earlier this year to ALAN by the North American arm of Chinese materials handling manufacturer, Noblelift.

Noblelift started working with ALAN in 2022 when the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) introduced the two. 

Noblelift immediately donated three electric pallet jacks to ALAN and subsequently donated USD30,000 worth of materials handling equipment within the next two years.

The largest donation was the 80 electric pallet jacks which are now being distributed across relief organisations across the United States.

Fulton continues: “It’s a great feeling to know that we already have this equipment on hand and ready to be deployed, because it means we can assist our disaster relief partners on the ground much faster – and help boost the operations of more community-based non-profits who don’t have extensive logistics assets of their own.”

Noblelift managing director Loren Swakow adds: “I have been familiar with ALAN for many years, starting with my days of serving on the MHEDA board of directors. 

“Disaster relief is needed. We cannot help directly those that need help, but we are happy to help ALAN who does all the hard work with boots on the ground.”