FuelCubes: A Game-Changer in Hurricane Relief Efforts
Request A Quote
Contact
Request A Brochure
When Hurricane Helene first hit land in September 2024, delivering 140 mph winds to Perry, a town in northwest Florida, the relief non-profit Crisis Response International was on the ground and ready.
The organization, founded in 2007 by Sean Malone and his wife, Laura Malone, arose from their experiences of two disasters that reshaped the mission of their lives.
Sean found himself in New York City visiting family on 9/11, where his experience on film crews led to delivering lighting equipment to Ground Zero for search operations. Years later, a Paramount Pictures gig found the Malones in New Orleans ahead of Hurricane Katrina, later hosting volunteers and prepping meals in the wake of that devastating storm.
Today, Sean says, Crisis Response International (CRI), specializes in training and mobilizing volunteers for debris removal, mobile kitchens and medical aid in disaster situations — with an eye to the unique needs each event brings.
‘Fuel Has Been a Precious Resource’
In the wake of Helene, one need became abundantly clear, Sean says: Gas stations were out of fuel and buildings were out of power — the kind of total outage event that he says he’s seen with increasing frequency during disasters over the past 10 years.
Providing fuel for recovery efforts, generators and more — on site and on demand — would prove critical for CRI. And in a remote disaster area, flexibility and mobility are key. The organization found its solution in the Western Global FuelCube Type-S.
“In this situation, fuel has been a precious, precious resource,” Sean says. “And so having these FuelCubes has been an absolute game-changer for us.”
We also supply engine-driven pump kits for instances where you can’t rely on electricity. Read our guide on engine-driven pumps here.
‘The Right Equipment To Keep Things Moving’
In October, as Hurricane Helene recovery efforts expanded to North Carolina, Sean took to Facebook with two images: one of a truck bed brimming with fuel cans; the other of Sean and his team in Asheville, North Carolina, next to two stacked FuelCubes donated by Western Global.
“For years, this is how we handled fuel during deployments — single fuel cans. But disaster relief requires more than just heart; it takes the right equipment to keep things moving and help those in need,” Sean posted.
The FuelCubes let CRI “meet the need efficiently and effectively,” Sean continued, adding that “we’re better equipped to serve Asheville and relief deployments for decades to come.” Hurricane response efforts require immediate and direct action, and CRI was there to provide it, aided by the FuelCubes.
The FuelCube Type-S is a compact, stationary fuel tank with a spill-proof, double-walled design ideal for remote locations. Designed to directly feed into equipment such as generators and dispense diesel fuel at the same time, the FuelCube provides a ready-to-use turnkey solution. For CRI, that time-saving flexibility is critical in disaster environments where every minute counts and downtime is rarely an option.
“We’ve been able to fuel up generators with this,” Sean says. “We’ve been able to have them in the back of the truck. We’ve been able to drop ’em on locations.”
The tanks helped CRI in its Helene operations to serve approximately 1,000 meals a day and distribute 35 truckloads of resources. The tanks also aided CRI in distributing fuel to victims relying on generators in the region to provide warm sleeping areas or hot meals.
The FuelCube’s four-way forklift pockets allow the tanks to move with CRI, wherever and whenever they’re needed next.
“This is an amazing way to serve people in the midst of crisis,” Sean says.
‘You Could Literally See the Transformation’
Amid the 1,000 people that CRI served daily with food or resources, it’s the individual stories that stick most with Sean.
He recalls in particular when a woman who was disabled showed up at a CRI site needing just a few resources following Hurricane Helene. Upon hearing her story, workers learned her house had mold infestation following the storm. CRI sent a mold remediation team over to assist with her home, sorting through affected belongings one by one.
“It’s a devastating thing,” Sean says. “We were able to walk with her, not only physically but emotionally, through that process.”
Some of CRI’s team took her out to buy new clothing following the cleanout. Sean recalls the woman stepping out of a dressing room in a new outfit, hair fixed, sporting a smile. “A sign of dignity amid loss,” he says.
“You could literally see the transformation,” Sean says, before turning to the Western Global tanks. “And gear like this helps make that happen. It keeps the generators running, keeps the chainsaws running, keeps the trucks running. Fuel has been a big issue during this particular event and we’re just so grateful to have these FuelCubes.”
Learn more about CRI’s mission: About – Crisis Response International
Support CRI’s relief efforts: Ways to Give – Crisis Response International
FuelCubes: The Difference in Decisive Situations
Learn more about how the Western Global FuelCube Type-S provides a compact, economic and quick solution in disaster relief situations ranging from wildfires to floods. FuelCubes play a crucial role in assisting first responders working with people displaced from their homes.
Stay tuned for more insights into practical applications of Western Global products in work, events and response efforts.
FuelCube Type-S
