Big-box retailers have become increasingly intertwined with recovery efforts after natural disasters, working to restock supplies for local residents, first responders and area officials. Both Lowe's and Home Depot have access to vast supplies of building materials, power generators and other needed products, as well as the infrastructure to keep them in stock.

Home Depot and Lowe's shares rose around 4 percent over the last few weeks as investors anticipated upticks in hurricane-related sales.

“We utilize our entire supply chain because speed is so important to help communities restore,” said Peter Capel, vice president of field merchandising for Home Depot.

Earlier in the year, the Atlanta-based retailer preloaded trucks and stocked four distribution centers near hurricane-prone areas with generators, plywood, water and cleaning supplies, so that it could resupply local stores before and after storms, Capel said. A former Marine, Capel pushed for police escorts for trucks to expedite their movement past barricades.

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