Recover. Rebuild. Rethink.

January 9, 2025

 

From clearing rubble after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to supporting communities after the devastating hurricanes of 2024, Caterpillar, our dealers and customers have spent more than a century helping people rebuild. Through it all, we’ve learned that true disaster relief isn’t just about removing debris or restoring power. It’s about helping communities come back stronger.

The Right Tools and Commitment

In the wake of a disaster, Caterpillar machines are often the first on the scene, helping make way for residents and rescue teams. But it’s the people behind those machines—our customers—who push forward, often in the very communities where their own lives have been disrupted. When China’s Chunthang River dam failed during severe flooding in 2021,  a Cat customer used our equipment not only to control the waters but also to reinforce the structure, building a stronger defense for nearby villages in future storms.  

Powerful Protection for Communities

Planning ahead can make all the difference when catastrophe strikes. Through Cat Rental Power solutions, we help communities keep vital services operational—so even if the power grid fails or critical infrastructure is damaged, people can rely on hospitals, water treatment plants, schools and other crucial operations to keep running. Our dealer network collaborates with local leaders to plan for emergencies, ensuring their community is ready to face the next storm with confidence.

Local Presence, Global Support

With more than 150 Cat dealers across 190 countries, support is close by whenever and wherever it’s needed. Our dealers aren’t just passing through—they’re rooted in the communities they serve and committed to helping their neighbors in need. A deep local presence means our dealers understand each community’s unique needs, so they can respond quickly and appropriately to deliver essential support. 

Purposeful Philanthropy

Our commitment to disaster recovery is a financial one as well. Through the Caterpillar Foundation, we support communities with critical funding that encompasses both immediate response and long-term resilience. Over the years, we’ve contributed millions to initiatives like the American Red Cross’s Annual Disaster Giving Program, which helps prepare communities long before adversity strikes. This proactive support helps ensure that people have the resources to recover more quickly and rebuild with confidence.

Building Back Better

For 100 years, Caterpillar has stood alongside communities in crisis. As natural disasters grow more frequent and intense, that commitment remains steadfast. We’ll continue to provide the tools, resources and support that help people regain hope, rebuild their lives and create stronger, more resilient communities. Because we know recovery isn’t just about restoring what was lost — but about building back better.