NACo’s U.S. Communities Suppliers Are Hurricane-Response Ready

Hurricane Irma tore through Florida and came just 16 days after Hurricane Harvey slammed Texas. Category 4 hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage. It is estimated that Irma and Harvey’s combined destruction could be the costliest in U.S. history.

Catastrophic weather events test the limited resources of public agencies. Counties need rapid assistance and costs add up. The U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance can facilitate recovery efforts by helping hurricane-affected counties meet their needs quickly while saving taxpayer dollars.

Learn More

Click here to learn more about disaster relief efforts made possible through U.S. Communities.

During emergency situations, U.S. Communities’ supplier partners provide quick access to products and solutions needed for relief, recovery and rebuilding at the best available government pricing. These suppliers’ contracts also include FEMA language to accommodate a county’s requirements.

Graybar is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, energy management and lighting. In an emergency situation, they can quickly provide the materials necessary to set up command centers, power up shelters and repair or replace damaged electrical and communication systems. After Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey, Graybar was ready for business within six hours of the storm to help provide temporary power and keep key buildings up and running.

HotelPlanner, a disaster travel provider, manages the strategic placement of first responders by concentrating relief support in affected areas while keeping other groups outside the main area of operations. 150,000 global lodging options comprised of hotel, motel, condo, mobile RV set ups, and much more can be created as needed. Their system houses additional information such as availability of generator operations and power truck and semi parking to help coordinate response efforts.

Safeware-Mallory has aided the rescues and recovery efforts of many hurricanes for over 20 years. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Safeware-Mallory was able to get supplies to Gulf Port, Miss. when no one else could. Key emergency products and solutions include: hazardous materials storage, medical and first aid supplies and law enforcement and fire equipment.

HD Supply Facilities Maintenance can help get your facilities back to normal by having over 70,000 maintenance, repair and operating products (MRO) in stock and property improvement services. Resources also include guides that help you prepare for different scenarios, respond to emergencies or developing storms, and recover after an emergency event.

U.S. Communities is the leading national cooperative purchasing program, providing world-class government procurement resources and solutions to local and state government agencies, school districts (K-12), higher education institutions and nonprofits. Enrolling in U.S. Communities means that you can receive vital program support and resources at a cost your budget can bear.

There is no cost or fee to use the program and you have access to lowest available government pricing. But, it is more than just good pricing. Cooperative purchasing can also deliver significant time efficiencies when every second counts. By utilizing a lead public agency model, the costs of preparing a bid and managing a contract, the costs can be significantly reduced, or avoided.