2024 U.S. hurricanes

In 2024, the southern United States was hit with three back-to-back hurricanes. Our teams in Florida made passenger safety and customer recovery a priority.

“We deployed multiple service teams to prepare and support our customers through these storms, confirming elevators were functional before putting back into service post-storm. We saw water in pits, cars pushed through elevator doors – it was dramatic and life changing for many of our customers. Otis teams were often the first on-site, assessing damage and guiding customers through recovery.”

– Emily, Otis Branch Leader, Florida, US

Amplifying Otis colleagues’ generosity

Within 48 hours of the historic 2025 Southern California (U.S.) wildfires being declared a state of emergency, Otis colleagues rallied to support a matching gift campaign, donating funds in support of first responders and assisting the community through organizations such as the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Pasadena Community Foundation, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, World Central Kitchen, and American Red Cross. Otis proudly matched all colleague donations, dollar-for-dollar.

The Iberian Peninsula blackout

Hundreds of Otis colleagues in Spain and Portugal rallied when the region suffered a historic power outage in 2025. Their response was immediate and thorough. In the hours following the outage, technicians worked with public authorities to visit every unit on their routes to ensure there were no entrapments, and rescuing people who were. OTISLINE™ customer service teams provided immediate support to those who were connected. Then, when power was restored, they set to work getting all elevators back up and running.

Flooding in Ghaziabad, India

Following an unexpected water main break in Ghaziabad, India, flooding filled the basement of an apartment complex, disabling all 72 elevators across its 30-story towers, and stranding more than 3,000 families in their homes. Otis mobilized a special task force from Delhi who worked with the developer to restore service. Within 48 hours, elevators were operational – one in each tower – bringing immediate relief to the residents.

Inspired to serve in Central Europe

When flooding caused rivers to crest at record levels in Poland in 2024, resulting in widespread damage and disruption to affected communities, Otis Poland mobilized a team of colleagues to provide critical on-site support.

“I volunteer because of the tangible impact it creates – giving hope and putting smiles on people’s faces.”

– Aneta, Otis Poland

Mapping for good

More than 40 members of the global Communications team volunteered virtually with Missing Maps, an open, collaborative project supporting humanitarian organizations by providing life-saving data. By reviewing and validating maps, the organization and its volunteers help ensure that aid reaches the right places, especially in regions affected by natural disasters or other crises.

Compassion in Korea

When severe flooding swept across Korea in 2025, a group of Otis colleagues stepped in to help an elderly woman whose home had been engulfed by mud. They worked together to clear debris, restore access, and offer comfort during a deeply distressing time. Their kindness and teamwork turned a moment of crisis into one of hope.

“Inside the house, we rolled up our sleeves and began scraping mud off the walls, tearing out damaged flooring and drywall, and sorting through what remained. From morning until late afternoon, our team worked tirelessly, united in purpose. We didn’t just clean, we listened, we comforted, and we stood by the homeowner and her elderly mother, offering not just our hands but our hearts. At one point, the homeowner said many other groups had come before, some staying only long enough to take photos before leaving. But she told us, ‘I’ve never seen volunteers work this hard.’ We felt a quiet sense of pride.”

– Gyun, Otis Korea

Empowering the next generation of problem-solvers

In year six of our flagship Made to Move Communities social impact program, teams of high school students from 18 countries and territories, backed by volunteer Otis mentors, are using STEM skills and AI to develop solutions to inclusive mobility issues in times of disaster.

Otis Colleague Disaster Relief Fund

When a disaster strikes, Otis also takes care of our colleagues. Through the Otis Colleague Disaster Relief Fund, colleagues can receive immediate financial assistance following major natural disasters. Colleagues are also invited to contribute to the fund to directly support their peers in times of need.

“We were about to go to sleep when we heard knocking on the door. The river was overflowing. In four minutes, everything was washed away. The Otis Disaster Relief Fund provided my family with needed financial support to help us rebuild. The funds arrived the day my second child was born. From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you.”

– Riccardo, Otis Italy