The first few days after Hurricane Katrina found New Orleans underwater and overwhelmed. Only one hospital in the city limits remained open and only one company – Airgas – was able to make deliveries of medical oxygen needed to treat storm victims.

By the time Rita struck a few weeks later, the worst hurricane season in history had brought out the best in Airgas associates. While the storms battered a handful of branches along the Gulf Coast, our strong national infrastructure ensured no stoppages of critical gas deliveries. Other Airgas locations rushed thousands of cylinders into the region, and Airgas associates drove through endless detours and debris to reach customers, hospitals, and emergency responders.

Later, the same industry-leading infrastructure helped provide the gases and supplies that customers and communities needed for cleanup and rebuilding. Our response to the storms of 2005 had proven that Airgas delivers value by delivering on our promises – even in the worst of times.