- Funding will support 32 nonprofits and government agencies from across the state
- Grants will pay for training, life-saving equipment and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations
As hurricane season begins, emergency managers and first responders turn their eyes to the tropics as they continue to prepare their communities for the possibility of impacts from severe weather.
Duke Energy is preparing as well and stands in support of these communities across South Carolina by announcing $500,000 in microgrants to help increase their resiliency and their ability to help residents prepare for and recover from the devastation brought by significant weather events.
"Preparing communities to respond to severe weather impacts begins at the local level," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina state president. "We are committed to keeping South Carolina's resiliency and economy strong. These grants will help provide fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way."
Duke Energy's Emergency Preparedness and Storm Resiliency Grant Program was designed to help organizations with roles in emergency preparedness increase their resiliency to these events through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training. Applicants could request funds up to $20,000. Grants were awarded to 32 nonprofits and governmental entities across the state.
A complete list of recipients can be found here.
Quotes
- "As we near hurricane season, EMS providers and emergency managers across the state make preparations to ensure our coastline is prepared," said Mandy Gattis, Project Director, South Carolina EMS Association. "Through this funding opportunity we will be able to perform an in-depth gap analysis to make better plans and strengthen our EMS readiness to respond to natural disasters."
- "We are very grateful to receive the grant from Duke Energy," said Shannon Tanner, Fire Chief, City of Florence Fire Department. "The funds from this grant will be used to purchase needed equipment and training that will allow us to provide a higher level of service to citizens of Florence and the surrounding area."
- "We are thrilled to receive a Duke Energy Foundation grant to purchase a MERT trailer," said Steve Holmes, Greenwood County Fire Chief. "This trailer will allow our Fire Services to close roads quickly without taking a fire truck out of service and will create a safer environment for our citizens and first responders."
