Enterprise is renting vehicles — especially trucks — to utility companies in areas hard-hit by Hurricane Irene on the East Coast, according to an Aug. 30 press release.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security actually contacted the rental agency several days in advance of storm to plan how to relocate trucks and minivans in order to help with clean up and recovery efforts from North Carolina to New Jersey. One example can be seen in the pick-up trucks rentals from the Public Service Electric and Gas in Newark, N.J.

“Once vehicles are in place, we can help put utility companies, government agencies, insurance adjusters and CAT (catastrophe) teams on the road so that they can get the recovery and restoration process under way,” stated Matt Darah, executive vice president of North American operations for Enterprise Holdings.

Enterprise managers opened closed offices, assisted stranded customers and provided last-minute rentals as the hurricane headed toward the East Coast.

The car rental industry was recognized by U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow in the release for aiding recovery efforts in the country: “Hundreds of towns and cities affected by Hurricane Irene are getting their homes and businesses back in order thanks to the cars and trucks made available by America’s local car rental companies.”