In light of Hurricane Laura approaching the Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm, the leadership of the National Auto Auction Association is taking proactive measures reminding members of resources available to them in times of crises — including an auction employee relief fund.

A letter from NAAA president Laura Taylor, sent Wednesday to several auctions in or near the storm’s path, said: “On behalf of all the members of the National Auto Auction Association, we want you to know we are here to support you during and after this weather event.

“If you are not aware, the NAAA has, with the support of member auto auctions, a relief fund for auto auction employees affected by weather events,” Taylor continued in the letter. “We are reaching out to you today to say we are with you, and to remind you when this event is over; we want to hear from you even if it is to say we are all OK.”

Auctions can assess how many of their employees need assistance and email NAAA chief executive officer Frank Hackett and executive vice president Mike Browning, who are coordinating relief efforts.

“We will act quickly and supply gift cards to assist your employees in the recovery,” Taylor said. “Those cards will be sent directly to you for distribution.”

In the letter, auctions were encouraged to notify NAAA of any other auctions potentially in the storm’s path, so the association could connect with them.

“Stay safe, and remember your association is here to help,” Taylor said.