Duke Energy has announced a significant contribution to emergency preparedness in North Carolina. The company is providing $500,000 through its Foundation to support 20 local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Each organization will receive a $25,000 grant aimed at enhancing severe weather preparedness measures.
The initiative comes as North Carolina braces for another storm season. The grants are part of the Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) program, which aims to equip communities with necessary resources and training for emergency responders.
In recent years, natural disasters have severely impacted regions across North Carolina. With forecasts predicting an active storm season, the role of local response planning becomes crucial. Duke Energy Foundation's support is designed to empower organizations that are deeply familiar with their communities' needs.
Over the past five years, Duke Energy Foundation has provided over $1.8 million in grants to more than 100 local emergency response organizations in North Carolina.
Kendal Bowman, President of Duke Energy in North Carolina, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Last storm season underscored the resilience of our North Carolina communities. Proactive collaboration with local emergency response organizations is necessary to ensure that communities are prepared to maintain that resilience.”
Tommy Batson from Pender County Emergency Management highlighted the critical nature of communication during disasters: “Pender County...is one disaster from losing the communications we use every day...This grant from Duke Energy will help us bridge this gap during the next event.”
Tony Ray, Fire Chief in Beaufort, noted the investment's impact on safety: “The support from the Duke Energy Foundation is a vital investment in the safety of our community.”
Don Mail from Wake County Board of Commissioners stressed individual preparedness: “Emergency preparedness starts at the individual level...We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Duke Energy Foundation for supporting this important work by investing in equity and safety in Wake County.”
Grant recipients include Anson County, Town of Beaufort, Belews Creek Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Buncombe County, Cherokee County Emergency Management among others.
Duke Energy Foundation annually provides over $30 million in philanthropic support across various communities served by Duke Energy customers.
Duke Energy is one of America's largest energy holding companies serving millions across several states and focusing on transitioning towards cleaner energy solutions.
For further information about their initiatives or updates on energy transitions, visit duke-energy.com or follow them on social media platforms like X and LinkedIn.
Contact: Garrett Poorman
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