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Duke Energy’s Commitment to Enhancing Storm Preparedness in North Carolina

Duke Energy Foundation has recently made a significant pledge of $500,000 aimed at bolstering storm preparedness across local communities in North Carolina. This initiative reflects the company's dedication to ensuring that residents are better equipped to handle emergencies related to severe weather, particularly after the lessons learned from previous storms like Hurricane Helene.

Understanding the Initiative

Kendal Bowman, the state president of Duke Energy in North Carolina, noted the crucial role played by collaboration among various agencies during natural disasters. Enhancing storm preparedness is not a new endeavor for the Duke Energy Foundation, which has already contributed nearly $5.6 million since 2020 to support initiatives designed to improve community resilience against natural disasters.

The recent funding aims to provide grants of up to $25,000 for eligible organizations, enabling them to implement key programs such as:

• - Interagency Collaboration Programs: These initiatives will facilitate communication and cooperation across different sectors and communities to enhance disaster response protocols.
• - Innovative Local Planning: Communities can develop tailored strategies for coping with extreme weather and natural disasters, ensuring they are adequately prepared.
• - Community Training and Resources: The program will provide educational materials and essential kits, ensuring that residents are fully informed about disaster preparedness procedures.
• - First Responder Training: Specialized training will be available for first responders, equipping them with the necessary skills to tackle various disaster scenarios effectively.

Impact on Local Communities

The funds will be instrumental in supporting diverse projects across the state. Examples of successful past initiatives include:

• - Flood Gauge Installation in Wilmington: This installation aims to provide real-time data to monitor water levels effectively, helping communities prepare for flooding.
• - Weather Radio Distribution in Raleigh: This project focuses on vulnerable neighborhoods, offering them access to crucial weather updates during emergencies.
• - Public Safety Drone Program in Person County: This innovative program leverages drone technology to enhance public safety measures during disasters.
• - Equipment Purchases for Rescue Teams: The Town of Harrisburg benefited from purchasing specialized equipment for swift water rescue teams, which will significantly increase their operational efficiency during flood conditions.

Application Process

Organizations interested in receiving funding must submit their applications by April 25, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. The Duke Energy Foundation has made the application process accessible through their website, inviting various non-profit groups and agencies to participate.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation is committed to supporting communities where Duke Energy operates. With an annual budget exceeding $30 million, the foundation addresses various community needs, ensuring a focus on sustainability and long-term improvement. As a part of Duke Energy’s broader mission, which includes providing reliable energy to over 8.4 million customers across several states, this funding initiative underscores the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

For detailed information on the grant program and application procedures, organizations can visit Duke Energy’s official website. By investing in storm preparedness, Duke Energy aims to create a safer future for residents, fostering a stronger and more resilient North Carolina community.

Conclusion

Through its substantial financial commitment, Duke Energy Foundation is not only reinforcing its role as a proactive utility provider but is also demonstrating an expansive commitment to community welfare. With initiatives like these, local areas can better safeguard against the impacts of severe weather, ultimately serving as a vital part of North Carolina’s emergency preparedness strategy.