The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) is launching a new capabilities mapping tool that will enable it to geographically target companies with the potential to provide necessary resources during disasters. The project is funded by grants from The UPS Foundation and the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, Project on Supply Chain Resilience.
The capabilities mapping tool is a geo-coding tool that will be populated with data on the member companies from ALAN's 21 association partners. Companies will be categorized according to their key product or service offerings and geographic footprint. These maps will show the location of resources meeting the needs identified through the National Donations Management Network. This will enable ALAN to identify the organizations best able to meet a specific disaster need (i.e. logistics support, water, food, pharmaceuticals, essential medical care, and shelter) and then reach out to them personally.
The system was recently successfully used for an exercise testing response to a nuclear incident with the New Hampshire Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NHVOAD). Additionally, a trial was completed for potential Red Cross needs.
"Through ALAN's association partners, we are able to mobilize a large network of companies within the supply chain industry," said Jock Menzies, president of ALAN. "Following a disaster, there is great need for specific items such as water, food, etc. and delivery of those items is one of the largest costs in disaster aid. Private sector logistics companies have the capacity and desire to help, especially when the disaster occurs within their region."
"ALAN's enhanced database will improve our ability to make timely and effective use of donations from corporate partners," said Daniel Stoecker, executive director of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD). "The non-profit disaster community relies on in-kind support, and this tool efficiently matches prospective donors with identified needs."
To learn how you and your organization can become involved with ALAN to improve disaster response within your community, visit www.ALANaid.org.
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