Anderson County is one of 33 nonprofits and government agencies receiving funds as part of a Duke Energy Foundation grant. Grants will pay for training, life-saving equipment and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations
In Anderson County, the funds will be used to supplement emergency responders’ capabilities during weather-related situations.
In a news release, Duke Energy states, “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 through the Duke Energy Foundation. These funds will increase community resiliency and local 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 in our neighborhoods and communities,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president. “Providing our fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way is necessary in maintaining a resilient and prosperous South Carolina.”
Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn said, “Funding from the Duke Energy Foundation will provide Anderson County’s Roads and Bridges Department with Palmetto 800-compliant portable radios. These units will allow crews to have interoperable communications with other emergency agencies and crews during weather-related events and other situations requiring emergency response.”
Dunn said since January 1, 2019, Anderson County has had 15 Major Storm events, which resulted in 1,468 downed trees and 206 road closures due to flooding.
“Total labor, material, and equipment costs absorbed by Anderson County since 2019 due to storm events and not including bridge and culvert replacements are in excess of $1.3 million.”
“We are grateful to be receiving this grant from the Duke Energy Foundation,” said County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “Having these radios available will allow our road crews to better serve the public and coordinate with other agencies during those times when our citizens are most in need.”
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 33 nonprofits and governmental entities across the state.
The 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
