First responders across Indiana, including local police, fire, and emergency management agencies (EMAs), will benefit from more than $200,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation. The funding will help public safety agencies increase their response capabilities during severe weather and other emergencies through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training.
Locally, $10,000 was awarded to Hamilton County EMA to enhance community outreach and preparedness education.
LaBarr
“Preparing local communities to respond to severe weather impacts is key to keeping our region resilient,” said Mark LaBarr, government and community relations manager at Duke Energy. “As the spring and summer storm season approaches, these grant funds will help enhance the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency’s community outreach programs and preparedness education to keep families stay safe when severe weather strikes.”
During major emergencies and natural disasters, local emergency management agencies play a critical role in providing information, resources and support that Duke Energy relies on to speed power restoration for its customers.
Pinegar
“When severe weather strikes, we rely on strong partnerships with local emergency management and law enforcement agencies to effectively respond and restore power in affected communities,” Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar said. “These grants will help give first responders the tools and training they need to respond to any emergency.”
About the Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually in charitable gifts to Indiana and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/Foundation.