Andre Woodson, a spokesperson for Amazon, said the company was able to help in relief efforts in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton by using its "logistics infrastructure, global inventory, and technology."
“Not many companies that have Amazon’s logistics infrastructure, global inventory, and technology,” said Andre Woodson, Amazon spokesman. “We have mobilized all of these assets to support communities impacted by Helene and Milton to support immediate relief efforts and lay groundwork for long-term recovery.”
After Hurricane Milton, Amazon deployed 127 pallets of essential supplies, including water, tarps, and hygiene kits, from its Disaster Relief Hub in Atlanta to Tampa. Within 48 hours, the supplies were distributed to 11 nonprofit organizations, such as the American Red Cross and Feeding Tampa Bay, to aid on-the-ground relief efforts.
Additionally, Amazon Air sent a plane filled with over 571,000 relief items to Lakeland, Florida, ensuring timely support despite transportation challenges.
The company's Disaster Relief & Response team worked with local and national organizations to provide over 2.3 million essential items to 32 relief partners since the hurricanes hit. Amazon also utilized drone mapping to survey and assess damage in remote areas to provide imagery in support of search and rescue missions.
The company temporarily closed over 50 facilities in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, however employees continued to receive pay during these closures, and Amazon extended resources like wellness checks and flexible return-to-work options.
Amazon’s Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Air Hub Air Hub is an 800,000 square-feet facility that supports the heavy and growing air cargo network, according to About Amazon. All employees at the KCVG Hub have access to "industry-leading" pay and benefits as well as a variety of resources such as Career Choice which helps employees pursue a future outside the company if they choose.
"Our employees are the heart and soul of this operation," said Sarah Rhoads, VP of Workplace of Safety.