Duke Energy Boosts Hurricane Preparedness with $180K in Community Grants
As summer brings an increase in tropical activity, Duke Energy is ramping up efforts to help customers and communities prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies. To support these initiatives, the Duke Energy Foundation, celebrating its 40th anniversary, has awarded $180,000 in microgrants to 13 organizations and agencies across Florida. These funds will bolster efforts to enhance community resilience and preparedness throughout the year.
"We deeply appreciate the ongoing partnership and dedication of our first responders, emergency management teams, and community organizations in helping to prepare and engage our communities," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Our experience with numerous storms has taught us that preparedness is our strongest defense."
On Florida's west-central coast, the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas (AAAPP) received $25,000 to distribute hurricane preparedness kits to older adults. "Having a hurricane kit provides a sense of security and peace of mind," said Ann Marie Winter, AAAPP's executive director. "We also encourage seniors to consider their broader storm season plans, such as where they would go if evacuation is necessary, how to register for a special needs shelter, and what essentials to bring if they must leave home."
The storm kits include items like a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, bottled water, an emergency light stick, a poncho, a whistle, and other essentials. Early feedback has been positive, with one senior in Pinellas County noting that the insulated tote bag containing the items is spacious enough to hold additional food and clothing, making it convenient if evacuation becomes necessary.
Duke Energy’s commitment to community support extends beyond financial contributions. Loretta Murray, Foundation Manager for Duke Energy Florida and a 37-year veteran of the company, actively participates in volunteer efforts like packing hurricane kits through the Duke Energy In Action program. Born and raised in Florida, Murray has firsthand experience with the devastating impact of hurricanes and feels honored to contribute to the safety and well-being of her community.
"The Duke Energy Foundation is proud to support our communities through philanthropy focused on vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity, and inclusion," she said. "Having lived through the fear and destruction of hurricanes, it gives me great pride to now be in a position to help others."
Community resilience and preparedness have been long-standing priorities for the Foundation, which has provided over $1.7 million to support Florida's disaster preparedness since 2019. Similar efforts are also underway in the Carolinas, where the Foundation distributed $500,000 in grants to South Carolina nonprofits and government agencies in 2024. These funds will be used for training, lifesaving equipment, and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery. In North Carolina, an additional $700,000 in grants is available to improve outcomes for low-income and under-resourced communities, as well as to fund equipment for search and rescue operations and other emergency communication tools.
With the Atlantic hurricane season running from mid-summer through October, it's crucial to ensure you're prepared for the 2024 storm season. Consider downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app for guidance on how to stay safe during the storm and how to help your community recover afterward.
"We deeply appreciate the ongoing partnership and dedication of our first responders, emergency management teams, and community organizations in helping to prepare and engage our communities," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Our experience with numerous storms has taught us that preparedness is our strongest defense."
On Florida's west-central coast, the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas (AAAPP) received $25,000 to distribute hurricane preparedness kits to older adults. "Having a hurricane kit provides a sense of security and peace of mind," said Ann Marie Winter, AAAPP's executive director. "We also encourage seniors to consider their broader storm season plans, such as where they would go if evacuation is necessary, how to register for a special needs shelter, and what essentials to bring if they must leave home."
The storm kits include items like a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, bottled water, an emergency light stick, a poncho, a whistle, and other essentials. Early feedback has been positive, with one senior in Pinellas County noting that the insulated tote bag containing the items is spacious enough to hold additional food and clothing, making it convenient if evacuation becomes necessary.
Duke Energy’s commitment to community support extends beyond financial contributions. Loretta Murray, Foundation Manager for Duke Energy Florida and a 37-year veteran of the company, actively participates in volunteer efforts like packing hurricane kits through the Duke Energy In Action program. Born and raised in Florida, Murray has firsthand experience with the devastating impact of hurricanes and feels honored to contribute to the safety and well-being of her community.
"The Duke Energy Foundation is proud to support our communities through philanthropy focused on vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity, and inclusion," she said. "Having lived through the fear and destruction of hurricanes, it gives me great pride to now be in a position to help others."
Community resilience and preparedness have been long-standing priorities for the Foundation, which has provided over $1.7 million to support Florida's disaster preparedness since 2019. Similar efforts are also underway in the Carolinas, where the Foundation distributed $500,000 in grants to South Carolina nonprofits and government agencies in 2024. These funds will be used for training, lifesaving equipment, and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery. In North Carolina, an additional $700,000 in grants is available to improve outcomes for low-income and under-resourced communities, as well as to fund equipment for search and rescue operations and other emergency communication tools.
With the Atlantic hurricane season running from mid-summer through October, it's crucial to ensure you're prepared for the 2024 storm season. Consider downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app for guidance on how to stay safe during the storm and how to help your community recover afterward.
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