Johnson Controls announced it will donate $1 million to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for those devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

"Our employees and customers live and work in these communities, and we’re committed to helping the victims of this tragedy," said John M. Barth, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. "We’re grateful that we’re able to play a small role in providing assistance to help restore the affected areas."

The American Red Cross is currently operating more than 250 shelters across seven states, providing a safe haven for nearly 42,000 evacuees – many who have been left homeless by the hurricane. The Red Cross effort is the foundation of the largest mobilization of resources for a single natural domestic disaster, in part because the extent of the damage is so widespread over a large geographical area.

Barth also indicated that, when possible, the company will look to assist its customers, including the City of New Orleans and the SuperDome, with their recovery efforts. Johnson Controls operates five Controls Group sales offices and three automotive manufacturing facilities in the impacted area. The $1 million grant to the American Red Cross will be made by the Johnson Controls Foundation.