- Advanced tools, customized training and life-saving
equipment boost community safety and resiliency during ongoing
storm season and beyond
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Just as Duke Energy makes
extensive preparations ahead of severe weather and other
emergencies, Duke Energy Foundation is committed to helping ensure
its communities are well prepared before disaster strikes.
During the past five years, Duke Energy Foundation has invested
over $19.5 million in emergency
preparedness and response efforts across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky. The Foundation's
approach is collaborative, working closely with local leaders and
nonprofits to understand and address specific needs to boost
community safety and resiliency.
"By supporting local organizations on the front lines of
disaster preparation and response, we help build community
infrastructure and readiness to respond to a myriad of
emergencies," said Amy Strecker,
president, Duke Energy Foundation. "We're committed to standing
with our communities every step of the way – from proactive
planning to response and recovery."
Duke Energy volunteers also joined in the preparations, packing
thousands of no-cost storm kits for seniors and contributing
$3.3 million of their own money and
volunteer time in the same five-year window. "Our employees love
getting in on the action of helping our communities," said
Loretta Murray, manager, Duke Energy
Foundation and volunteer champion. "I know the fear and devastation
that a hurricane can bring. I've lived through it. Now I get to do
something about it. It does me proud."
Funding from Duke Energy Foundation has delivered immediate
relief in times of crisis and equipped first responders with
advanced tools, customized training and life-saving equipment to
boost community safety and resilience. Earlier this year, a
grant-funded drone helped locate a missing South Carolina man.
"The grant from the Duke Energy Foundation enabled us to bring
in top-of-the-line drones and equipment," said Gus Ballard, manager of drone operations at
Spartanburg County Emergency
Services. "Since then, our performance has steadily improved thanks
to the advanced capabilities and reliability of the equipment. This
impacts not only our operations within the county, but throughout
South Carolina and surrounding
states where we assist other agencies."
As the 2024 storm season continues through November, Duke Energy
and its Foundation stand ready to respond and support its
communities. Additionally, customers are encouraged to download the
enhanced American Red
Cross Emergency app.
Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to
meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and
work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company
headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies.
The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in
North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky, and collectively own
54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities
serve 1.7 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition,
keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the
forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions
from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions
from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in
major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including
expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and
the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy
on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook,
and visit illumination for stories about the people and
innovations powering our energy transition.
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy