Uber, Lyft and Airbnb — the big three on-demand services — all stand ready to help when widespread disaster strikes.

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How will ride-hailing work after a disaster?

Uber and Lyft say they will offer free or discounted rides to those in need during a disaster and its aftermath. Lyft specified those rides are to shelters, hospitals and other designated emergency areas. The companies will suspend surge pricing, the higher rates they use to convince drivers to work when demand is high. Uber said it will provide refunds to passengers who pay full price (or surge prices before it was turned off) immediately after a disaster.

What if bridges or freeways are down?

Uber said it will alert its drivers and provide information from authorities about how they might be affected.

What will motivate drivers to work if there isn't surge pricing?

Uber said it will pick up the tab for a driver version of surge pricing. In other words, passengers will pay standard, discounted or free rates, but drivers will make extra money by working during disasters. Lyft did not respond.

What if cell service is down?

Uber requires cell service to function and would be taken out of action. Lyft did not respond, but its app works similarly.

How does Airbnb respond to disasters?

Through a program called Open Homes, Airbnb offers its website and customer support to folks who’d like to provide free short-term housing to people displaced by disasters and relief workers. It contacts hosts in and near impacted areas to ask if they have extra space to spare. New hosts can also sign up during disasters to provide free housing. Airbnb waives its booking fees for both hosts and guests.

— Carolyn Said