PLAINFIELD—Grants from Duke Energy Foundation will benefit first responders statewide, including local emergency management agencies (EMAs) in southern and south-central Indiana. The funding, which totals more than $285,000 for organizations across the state, will help public safety agencies increase their response capabilities during severe weather and other emergencies through advanced preparation, planning, equipment, and training.
“During the current storm season, our service territory has experienced significant weather events, including an unusually high number of tornadoes,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “I am proud of our recovery work, and we could not accomplish it effectively without the collaboration of a host of first responders in our communities. We appreciate their assistance.”
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.
In southern and south-central Indiana, Duke Energy Foundation shareholder-funded grants were awarded to the following organizations:
- Brown County EMA
$5,500 to develop interoperable communications resources and procedures between the EMA and the Nashville Police Department
- Crawford County EMA
$5,500 to purchase 100 weather radios to be distributed to the public; remaining funds will help purchase swift water rescue gear to be placed on the rescue boat
- Lawrence County EMA
$5,500 will allow the agency to buy weather radios, which are frequently requested by local residents
- Monroe County EMA
$5,500 to invest in a trailer that will help keep the community safe and informed in times of crisis; help educate the public about emergency preparedness during outreach events; and help coordinate response and recovery efforts during and after emergencies
- Orange County EMA
$5,500 will go toward realistic training aids for responders who often work severe weather events involving downed power lines
- Owen County EMA
$5,500 will be used to purchase and install smart screens in the Emergency Operations Center to provide current data to staff
