ARLINGTON, Va.— Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Florida Panhandle on October 10 as a powerful and unprecedented Category 4 hurricane, the strongest hurricane on record to strike the region, according to the National Weather Service, which also called it “potentially catastrophic.”

National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) member companies have been affected by the storm and — in collaboration with public health partners and emergency preparedness authorities — are working to meet the ongoing needs of people affected by the hurricane.

NACDS traditionally documents the engagement of member companies to provide ideas about how interested individuals and companies can lend assistance – particularly since long-term support will be necessary for the affected areas.

To date, these are the member actions NACDS has observed in media reports:

• Walgreens took proactive measures to assist customers, team members and communities in the projected path of Hurricane Michael, and is preparing to fully support impacted regions in the storm’s aftermath.

• In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and the Walmart Foundation are committing up to $1.5 million of cash and in-kind support for relief and recovery. In addition, $1 million from the Walmart 2018 Hurricane Relief Fund held at Foundation For The Carolinas will support Red Cross efforts for those most impacted in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

• Publix Super Markets Charities is making an initial $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross and United Way to help fund relief efforts for areas impacted by Hurricane Michael.