As of this writing, Gustav is on a collision course, projected to hit somewhere along the southeastern Gulf coast, possibly even New Orleans. While residents and volunteer organizations prepare for possible damage, Wal-Mart is also preparing for the storm by shipping necessities to the most likely affected region.

"Part of what we do here is look for all threats to our facilities, our associates, our customers. Right now we’re looking at Gustav," said Lucus McDonald, a staff meteorologist in Wal-Mart’s emergency operations center in Bentonville.

About 12 people monitor tropical storms in the center. When a hurricane heads for shore, the emergency operations center can fill with up to 200 associates called in to help organize supplies needed in a storm-damaged area. McDonald says hurricane season is the center's busiest time of year. Currently, trucks are being loaded with flashlights, batteries, and water before heading to the Gulf Coast. Wal-Mart uses technology to prepare for hurricanes and the damage they may leave behind.