As many have no doubt heard, Hurricane Ian is currently tearing its way up the eastern coast of the United States. As a result, Ford is launching initiatives to ensure those who need help receive it as quickly as possible. A combination of Ford Motor Company, Ford Pro, and Ford Fund is working closely with a number of emergency response organizations to help support those affected by the storm.

If you haven't heard of Ford Pro, that's Ford's commercial vehicle fleet, comprised of vehicles like the E-Transit and other commercial trucks, cars, and vans. Ford will send these vehicles, along with the F-150 Lightning and F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, to help in the wake of Ian.

Additionally, Ford Fund is pitching in financially. If the name isn't ringing any bells, Ford calls this its " philanthropic arm." Ford Fund has been active in the communities in which Ford operates for more than 70 years. It works with nonprofit organizations, like the Salvation army, as well as community partners, both here in the States and around the world.

Since its inception in 1949, Ford and the Ford Fund have put more than $2.2 billion into a number of initiatives to ensure the needs of the communities it serves are met. This time, the Ford Fund is donating $1 million to the American Red Cross, Team Rubicon, ToolBank USA, the World Central Kitchen, and local food banks.

The vehicles we mentioned above, like the Lightning and E-Transit, will be either deployed by Ford itself or loaned out to power relief efforts. In some cases, this may mean literally, as Ford models can come with a Ford Pro Power Onboard generator. After a hurricane, power can obviously be a hard thing to come by.

These vehicles will also be used to transport displaced people to Salvation Army pop-up shelters that can be found throughout the areas affected by Hurricane Ian. Additionally, Ford is seeking to help its customers financially.

Ford has announced that existing Ford Credit and Lincoln Automotive Financial Services customers affected by the hurricane may be able to defer up to two payments. If you do hold a loan on a Ford vehicle through either of these institutions, Ford says you can visit their websites for more info, or call 800-723-4016.

Finally, Ford will contact employees, dealers, and others within its network to transport people to Salvation Army pop-up shelters. Ford employees will also be able to volunteer to aid in relief efforts. Ford has a history of pitching in after a disaster. We've seen it before after the floods in Kentucky earlier this year, and it's great to see it again.